Are employers required to provide employees with work breaks?

Yes, employers in Pennsylvania are required to provide employees with work breaks. According to the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL), employers are required to give employees in Pennsylvania a paid 10-minute rest period for every four hours worked. This rest period should be taken in the middle of their shift, when possible. The WPCL also states that employees are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break after five consecutive hours of work. This break is to be taken between the third and fifth hour of work. Furthermore, minors between 14- and 17-years-old may not be employed for more than five hours continuously without a half-hour meal break. Those who are younger than 14-years-old may not work more than four hours without a half-hour meal break. Employers must also provide employees with a number of other types of breaks, including nursing breaks, illness breaks, emergency leave, and breaks for voting. All employers must also provide their employees with time off for jury duty and military leave. Therefore, it is clear that employers in Pennsylvania are required to provide their employees with work breaks in order to comply with state law. Employees should be familiar with their rights under the WPCL, so that they can be sure that their rights are being respected.

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