DELEG - Are employees required by law to have a meal or break period?

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Are employees required by law to have a meal or break period?

Agency: Energy, Labor & Economic Growth

Employees under 18 years of age may not work more than 5 continuous hours without a 30 minute uninterrupted rest period. There are no requirements for breaks, meal or rest periods for employees 18 years of age or older.

Where an employer has a break, meal or rest period policy, the employee must be completely relieved of work duties and free to pursue his or her own interest to not be considered work time (Cherney v. West Michigan Cleaners 84-3823).


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