Pennsylvania Break Time Rules

[Enea]

What is Pennsylvania State(USA), break time rules?

Thanks

Pravin

[Geovanni]

Dear Pravin,

Hope you're doing fine.

Many employers and employees want to know if breaks and meals are required by law. You might be surprised to learn that Pennsylvania does not have any laws on the books specifically related to this area, except those pertaining to minors. Pennsylvania law requires that minors ages 14 to 17 must be given a meal or rest period of at least 30 minutes if they have worked five hours or more continuously.

Although Pennsylvania does not have a lunch and break law for those persons 18 and over, there are applicable federal rules for Pennsylvania residents. While Federal Law does not mandate specific breaks or meal periods, it does give guidance as to whether or not an employee should be paid during these times. Short breaks are usually 20 minutes or less, and should be counted as hours worked. Genuine “meal periods” are usually 30 minutes or more, and do not need to be compensated as work time. For this to be the case, however, the worker must be completely relieved of his or her duties during the meal break. If the employee is still required to do any duties(even minor duties such as answering a phone), it can’t be considered a meal or lunch period and must be paid.

warm regards,

Umesh Chaudhary

India

([email protected] )