What are the requirements for meal and rest periods?

In Washington, employers must provide meal and rest periods to employees who are 14 years or older, and who are scheduled to work at least 5 hours in a day. Employers must provide a 30-minute unpaid meal period when an employee works more than 5 hours in a day. Employees must be allowed to leave the worksite during their meal periods, and employers may not require them to work during that time. Additionally, employers must provide a 10-minute rest period for every 4 hours of work. This rest period must be paid, and employers must allow employees to leave the worksite during the rest period. Employers may not require employees to stay at the worksite during their rest periods. Employers cannot require employees to work during meal and rest periods, and employers cannot dock their pay if they do not. Employers are also prohibited from making employees work “off the clock” during these breaks. If an employee chooses to work during a meal or rest period, the employer must pay them for that time. Employees who feel that their employer has not provided them with required meal and rest periods can file a wage claim with the state of Washington’s labor office. Employers who are found to have violated the law may be required to pay lost wages to the employee, and may also be subject to fines and penalties.

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What are the requirements for meal and rest periods?

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