Washington, D.C., Wage and Hour Lawyers for Unpaid Breaks
There is no federal law requiring an employer to provide a lunch break, bathroom breaks or any rest period. A handful of states do specify the right to periodic meal and rest breaks, and the majority of public and private employers voluntarily provide such breaks to their workers.
Where employers get in trouble is trying to have it both ways. If your employer provides an unpaid meal break, you cannot be required to perform work or be "on call." If you are on duty or on standby during your lunchtime, you may have a claim against that employer for unpaid wages.
The employment law attorneys of Alan Lescht & Associates, P.C., can determine if your employer has violated the laws or if you are entitled to back pay and penalties for violations. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.
We represent private sector employees and public employees. However, the rules regarding employee breaks are generally governed by state law:
- Rest breaks — Although most employers voluntarily provide periodic work breaks/restroom breaks, only seven states mandate such breaks. The most typical is a 10-minute break for every four hours of work. While employers in the other 43 states and the District of Columbia do not have to provide specified restroom breaks, they are required to provide access to adequate bathroom facilities and cannot dock your pay if you have to use the bathroom.
- Meal breaks — Only 19 states provide for a meal break and none require that it be paid time. The typical lunch break is 30 minutes, during which you must be fully relieved of duty. If you are required to eat at your desk, answer the phones, operate machinery or otherwise perform any work or be available for work, then the employer must pay your regular wage for the entire break period.
- Smoking breaks — Employers are not obligated to provide smoke breaks, shelters, ashtrays or any accommodation for smokers. Furthermore, employers are within their rights to ban smoking entirely on their premises, including a worker's unpaid breaks.
- Rest break exceptions — Under federal law, pregnant women and workers with certain health conditions cannot be denied restroom breaks, even if they must use the bathroom frequently.
- Religious considerations — Under federal law, employers must make reasonable accommodation of religious practices, such as breaks for obligated prayers that fall during work hours.
If your paycheck has been docked, if you are regularly forced to work through lunch, or if you believe your employer has violated your wage and hour rights, we can assess and pursue your legal claims.
Our legal team is committed to holding employers accountable under federal and state labor laws. Contact our firm to speak with a dedicated employment law attorney.
