Legal Question in Employment Law in Virginia

Lunch Break

I am an hourly employee. If I work a day without a break can my employer deduct 30 minutes for a meal? In my situation, on busy days I eat peanut butter with fruit while i continue to work through the day, but take no official break. My employer has deducted 30 minutes on days I do this-is that legal?


Asked on 5/07/07, 8:19 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Lunch Break

I would think not(assuming you had no

such break), but you might wish to consult for confirmation the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's website, the wage and hour section of its Labor and Employment Division.

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Answered on 5/07/07, 8:56 am
Ruth Emily Kochard Ruth Emily Kochard, Counselor at Law

Re: Lunch Break

In general you need to be paid for hours worked, and there may be a potential argument for violation of a labor law provided that you were actually working and required to do so. I would advise consulting an attorney directly to discuss the facts of your case and an appropriate action.

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Answered on 5/07/07, 9:45 am


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