Job not giving breaks, including lunch & 15 minute breaks (employment, high school)

SeaSideBay · 07-01-2009, 09:52 AM

I'm a college student working at Little Caesars.
Since I've been working there (about 4 months) I have yet to have been give any kind of break. Not even a 1 minute break. I'm on my feet running around this whole shift. I thought it was law for employees to provide a 30-minute unpaid lunch break and two 15-minute breaks. I asked many different managers in the store about this and they say...

"Little Caesars is run differently from any other stores like it. Because they're not a franchise they don't have to follow the same government regulations. They pay you not to take breaks."

I work as many as 14 hours a day with no break. Isn't this illegal?

Driller1 · 07-01-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaSideBay

I'm a college student working at Little Caesars.
Since I've been working there (about 4 months) I have yet to have been give any kind of break. Not even a 1 minute break. I'm on my feet running around this whole shift. I thought it was law for employees to provide a 30-minute unpaid lunch break and two 15-minute breaks. I asked many different managers in the store about this and they say...

"Little Caesars is run differently from any other stores like it. Because they're not a franchise they don't have to follow the same government regulations. They pay you not to take breaks."

I work as many as 14 hours a day with no break. Isn't this illegal?

Yes. But, at this time I would not rock the boat. You can file a complaint.

MI-Roger · 07-01-2009, 10:59 AM

Much of what we know as work breaks are offered as courtesy by the employers rather than law. It is amazing how may exceptions exist to the work rules, and how many "Laws" do not exist.

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workhours/breaks.htm (broken link)

MI-Roger · 07-01-2009, 12:56 PM

The Federal Dept of Labor has no legislated requirement stipulating the need or duration of rest and lunch breaks.

Following the links on the DOL web page shows that Michigan has no requirements either. Few States require rest breaks but most appear to require lunch breaks.

Be glad your employer does not consider your job as one where receiving tips is common place. The minimum wage in Michigan for jobs where tips are received is $2.65 per hour. Also learned by following the links on the DOL web page.

YAZ · 07-01-2009, 02:05 PM

Wait until you graduate and get a "real" job. As a salaried employee, no OT, that includes 15 hour days, weekends, etc. with no "extra" compensation.

Oh yeah, you'll still do "homework" too.

That's why we always say:

"Do what you love".

Good luck.

Coldjensens · 07-01-2009, 02:30 PM

Working at little ceasers is just one long lunch break. Dont you get to eat Pizza whenever you want?

stanman13 · 07-01-2009, 02:31 PM

Employees under 18 years of age may not work more than 5 continuous hours without a 30 minute uninterrupted rest period. There are no requirements for breaks, meal or rest periods for employees 18 years of age or older.

Cut & paste from the Michigan Dept of Labor, etc.

However, most employers know that productivity is reduced when there are no breaks, just as it is reduced on shifts longer than 9 hours..

Coldjensens · 07-01-2009, 02:31 PM

Yes. I think it is illegal. They should have the employment rules posted ont he premises. It is required.

YAZ · 07-01-2009, 03:15 PM

Wondering out loud....

How many business owners make sure they take breaks?

How many lately have "forgot" to pay themselves?

YAZ · 07-01-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanman13

Employees under 18 years of age may not work more than 5 continuous hours without a 30 minute uninterrupted rest period. There are no requirements for breaks, meal or rest periods for employees 18 years of age or older.

Cut & paste from the Michigan Dept of Labor, etc.

However, most employers know that productivity is reduced when there are no breaks, just as it is reduced on shifts longer than 9 hours..

As a high school student in Michigan, I worked for sub minimum wage pay in a restaurant. By law, we weren't allowed to have our school and work hours exceed 40 per week. Well, I spent 30 hours per week at school, and another 25 - 30 at work. I liked it. I had a car payment (repaying Dad) and a girlfriend to support.

Everyone should be exploited at a young age; that way you can recognize it when you're older.....