Are employers required to provide a rest break and/or meal break?

In Pennsylvania, employers are required to provide rest and meal breaks to employees who are at least 18 years of age. Pennsylvania labor laws require that, for every four hours of work, an employee must receive at least a 20-minute rest break. This break must be made available to the employee in the middle of a four-hour shift, if possible. For minors between the ages of 14 and 17, a 30-minute meal break is required for any shift that lasts longer than five hours. There are some exceptions to this rule: certain types of employees are exempt from Pennsylvania’s rest and meal break laws, such as truck drivers, bus drivers, and certain hazardous occupations. Additionally, if the employee believes that their employer is not providing them with their required break, they can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or the federal Department of Labor for assistance. Overall, Pennsylvania laws require that employers provide rest and meal breaks to their employees in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations. These breaks are beneficial for both employers and employees, as they can help ensure that employees are able to take time to rest and refuel during their workday.

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