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Do I have to take a lunch break while I'm at work?
I really do not want to take a lunch break at work, but my boss always insists on it around the same time each day. I always have a huge breakfast before work and have a nice dinner when I come home so in between I'm not really hungry and, to be honest, I'd like to get my work done while I'm there.
A fellow employee recently informed me that it was against the law for me NOT to take lunch, but I'm not really sure as to how true this is. My coworker said something about my boss getting a fine or something around those lines if I were to complain that he did not force me to take a lunch break. This sounds ridiculous to me. I'm an adult.
So, do I HAVE to take lunch at work or is it really against the law for me to work and not take lunch break? I definately do not want to get anyone in trouble, but I'd really rather work while I'm in the building. If all of this is true, then WHY do I absolutely HAVE to take lunch breaks each day?
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Maybe give some free advice about: Random Weirdos?
It actually is state law that they have to
provide you with meal and rest breaks. It
depends on the state you live in.
If you aren't paid for lunch breaks, and
don't take them, then they would have to pay
you for the break you didn't take. Most
employers aren't willing to do that.
If you don't want to take a break and choose
to work your break for free, you probably
could. IF your employer agreed. You would
probably have to sign something.
My advice is to take the break. :)
Here are the laws for some states, since
I don't know what state you are in. Not all
are listed but they are all about the same.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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I work in HR at my work, and yeah it's illegal to not take a lunch (30-60 minutes). Every four hours you get a lunch-break. Every two hours you're entitled to an optional (in most states) 15 minutes break. If your boss doesn't force you to break then he could be fired as well as fined.
Don't eat a big breakfast. Grab some toast. You'll enjoy your lunch period that way. Or, do what I do, go shopping on your lunch break. Or, see if you can eat at your desk. We do that a lot at my work because we're always so busy in the office. So we munch at our desk and work but technically clock out for the half-hour.
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