Breaks

[Morgannwg]

I work in pa but our corporate headquarters is in florida. I work in the payroll dept at a call center. Our sales reps get 15 min breaks during the day but I dont get any break during the day. Even the days where I may be here 8 or 9 hours. Is that proper? I know our other offices when I talk with them, they just got back from lunch so they all get breaks, how is that fair. The other thing is when we do get a break they say we cannot even leave 2 min up the street to get something to eat it is like we are prisoners here, I cannot believe this is legal for them to do this but I would like you to tell me what you think???? thanks

[Qamar]

Pennsylvania laws would govern because you work in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania employers are required to provide break periods of at least 30 minutes for minors ages 14 through 17 who work five or more consecutive hours. Employers are not required to give breaks for employees 18 and over. If your employer allows breaks, and they last less than 20 minutes, you must be paid for the break. If your employer allows meal periods, the employer is not required to pay you for your meal period if you do not work during your meal period and it lasts more than 20 minutes. A collective bargaining agreement may also govern this issue.

I would contact the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board 717-787-1091 . Explain to them that you are being discriminated against because others are allowed breaks and you are not. The employer does not have to give breaks but it is unfair to give to some and not to all.

Shirley