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.

Related FAQs

What provisions does the FLSA provide for overtime pay?
What workers are not entitled to overtime pay?
What is the difference between a minimum wage and a prevailing wage?
What type of records must employers provide to employees about wages and hours?
What type of records must employers provide regarding wages earned?
What is the minimum wage in my state?
What is the impact of minimum wage increases on businesses?
What are the requirements for reporting wages to the government?
What is the employee right to minimum wage?
What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

Related Blog Posts

What is Wage and Hour Law and How Does it Affect Your Business? - July 31, 2023
What Employers Need to Know About Wage and Hour Law - August 7, 2023
The Basics of Payroll Law and Compliance - August 14, 2023
Compensating Your Employees - Tips for Wage and Hour Law Compliance - August 21, 2023
Understanding Overtime Rules Under Wage and Hour Law - August 28, 2023