Are workers entitled to meal periods and rest breaks?
Workers ages 14 through 17 who work five or more hours should receive at least a 30-minute break. Employers are not required to provide breaks to workers ages 18 and older. If an employer offers breaks and they last less than 20 minutes, the employee should be paid for this time. If meal periods are given, the employer does not have to compensate this time if it lasts more than 20 minutes, as long as the worker is completely relieved of their job duties.
