Washington Lunch and Break Law Regulation

In reviewing the lunch and break laws of various states, I have learned that the state of Washington is one of 19 states with a specific law that mandates breaks for employees.

Non-agricultural employees in Washington must be allowed a 30 minute meal break if they have worked five hours or more continuously. This meal break must occur at least two hours (but no more than five hours) after the worker’s shift has begun. Another 30 minute meal break must be provided no more than five hours after the first break if the employee is scheduled to work for 10 hours or more.

This meal break required by Washington law may be unpaid, but only if the employee is completely free of his or her duties during the break time. In addition, employers are required to pay employees during their meal break if they are required to be “on call” with the possibility of returning to work during their normal break time (even if they are often not actually working during this interval).

Rest breaks are also mandated by Washington law. Employees must be allowed a paid 10 minute rest break for each four hours they have worked. This rest period must occur no later than three hours after the beginning of each four hour block of work time. If an employer consents, it is permissible for employees to split up their 10 minute breaks into smaller “mini-breaks.” These mini-breaks might be used for purposes such as personal phone calls, eating snacks or smoking.

The rules for meal and rest breaks are somewhat different for 14 and 15 year old employees. These employees under age 16 must be given a 30 minute meal break for each four hours they have worked continuously. A 10 minute rest break must also be given for each two hours of work for employees of this age.

A helpful listing of the laws on lunches, breaks and other labor issues can be found on the Washington All in One Labor Law Poster. This poster contains information on the laws of the state and federal governments.

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