If a business is privately owned, are they allowed to not give proper break time?

[calvert]

Okay, my girlfriend works at an ice cream place, and they're pretty busy on a regular basis. Because it's so busy, her boss never really gives her proper break time, for example, today she worked a 7 hour shift, and had a 5 minute lunch break, and that was the only break time she had all day. According to the labour laws in my province, employees are entitled to a 1 hour lunch break for every 5 hours they work. But, because it's a privately owned business, I was wondering if the labour laws applied or if they could do whatever they wanted? And if they do apply, how would she go about requesting a proper break without fear of being fired?

[aingeni]

Those laws exist to govern all businesses, and give rights to all workers, not just government jobs and government workers.

She can report them to the provincial health and safety authority.

[werner72]

Labor law applies to EVERYBODY.

Start keeping a log of all missed breaks and lunch hours, and check local laws. Then ask the boss about moving the lunch or break time to times that is less busy (remember, look for mutually beneficial solutions).

She can't be fired for demanding her right under the law. If she's terminated that way she can sue for damages due to wrongful termination.