Are employers obligated to provide breaks and meal periods?

In Washington, employers are obligated to provide a break and meal period for their employees. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries requires employers to provide at least a 30-minute break for every four hours worked, or a 10-minute break for every four hours worked. Meal periods must be at least a 30 minute period when the employee is relieved of all job duties and is permitted to leave the workplace. For those employees who are working a shift longer than five hours, employers must provide an unpaid meal period that begins no later than the end of the fifth hour of the shift. There are some exceptions to these requirements. For example, certain employees such as minors, commission sales employees, or those in seasonal industries, may be exempted from the break and meal period requirements. In addition, an employer may be able to require an employee to work during a break or meal period if the employee agrees. Overall, employers in Washington are obligated to provide their employees with breaks and meal periods. These breaks and meal periods must meet the criteria outlined by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Employers should be aware of the exceptions to these requirements, as well as any applicable federal or state laws.

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Are employers obligated to provide breaks and meal periods?

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