Meal and Rest Periods

Generally, you have greater rights under wage and hour law than you do under federal law. Under federal law when employers offer short breaks, these are compensable work hours and will be considered in deciding whether overtime was worked. However, under the law, meal periods should be available on a certain schedule, depending on the hours you worked. They are unpaid. Similarly, rest breaks need to be provided on a certain schedule, but they are paid. What you do during those periods should be your choice. If an employer doesn’t comply with strict requirements related to your meal and rest periods, you may be able to hold them accountable. A dedicated Notre law Firm wage and hour attorney can help you evaluate your legal options.