Are employers obligated to provide breaks and meal periods?

Yes, employers in Texas are obligated to provide breaks and meal periods. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) states that employers must provide an "uninterrupted meal period of at least 30 minutes to employees who are required to work more than five (5) hours in a workday." In addition to providing meal periods, employers must also provide rest periods, according to the TWC, to employees who are required to work more than three and one-half (3½) consecutive hours. The rest periods must be for a minimum of 10 minutes for each four hours (or major fraction thereof) worked. Furthermore, employers must pay employees for breaks of 20 minutes or less. If the break is longer than 20 minutes, the employer is not required to pay the employee for that time. However, the employee must be completely relieved from duty during the break. In conclusion, employers in Texas are obligated to provide breaks and meal periods according to state law. Employees must be provided with a 30-minute uninterrupted meal period after working more than five hours in a day, and they must be provided with 10-minute rest periods every four hours worked. For breaks of 20 minutes or less, employees must be paid.

Related FAQs

Are employers required to provide employee health benefits?
What are the rules for plant closures?
What are the employer obligations during union organizing?
Are employers obligated to provide rest and meal breaks?
What are the child labor laws?
Are employers obligated to disclose the reasons for employee discipline or discharge?
How can employees report an employer's violation of labor laws?
What are the overtime rules?
Are employers obligated to provide employee holidays?
Are employers required to offer health insurance benefits?

Related Blog Posts

What Employers Should Know about Labor Laws: An Overview for HR Departments - July 31, 2023
Navigating California's Evolving Labor and Employment Laws - August 7, 2023
Employers: Get to Know the National Labor Relations Act - August 14, 2023
A Guide to Understanding Wage and Hour Laws - August 21, 2023
Exploring the Basics of Employment Discrimination Laws - August 28, 2023