Is it legal to give employees a 20 minute lunch break with 2/10 minute breaks in an 8 hour shift?
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Is it legal to give employees a 20 minute lunch break with 2/10 minute breaks in an 8 hour shift?
Also, I work in a warehouse and most employees wear hats, however, suddenly the company is not allowing us to wear them. Iisn’t detrimental to the tasks at work and we don’t deal with the public, can they just do that?
Asked on April 11, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Florida does not require lunch or meal breaks, which means that it is voluntary on the part of employers whether, when, and how long to provide them. Under federal law, if the break (or lunch) is 20 minutes or less, it is paid time; if it is longer than that, it does not have to be paid so long as the employee is free to do what he/she wants, including leaving the premises.
An employer has an absolute right to set a dress code; it does not matter whether employees deal with the public or not, or whether there is or is not some safety or efficiency issue--your employer may tell you want you can and cannot wear.
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