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Meals and Breaks

Breaks

Meal Breaks
Nonexempt employees who work shifts of six hours or more are provided an unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes.

  • For shifts of six to seven hours, the meal break must be taken between the 2nd and 5th hour of work.

  • For shifts longer than seven hours, the meal break must be taken between the 3rd and 6th hour of work.

The meal period begins when work stops and ends when work resumes. Employees may leave the job site during their meal break but must return on time.

Rest Breaks
Nonexempt employees are entitled to a paid rest break of at least 10 minutes for every four hours worked.

  • When possible, rest breaks should be taken midway through each four-hour work period.

  • Breaks begin when work stops and end when work resumes.

  • Employees must remain on-site during rest breaks.

Additional Guidelines

  • Meal and rest breaks may not be combined to extend lunch, arrive late, or leave early.

  • Failure to take required meal or rest breaks may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

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2026 Fred Shearer & Sons

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