Minnesota Lunch Break Laws

Summary

In Minnesota, employers must provide meal breaks for shifts exceeding 8 hours. Breaks must be of reasonable length and are unpaid unless the employee must stay on premises. If an employee works through a lunch break, they must be compensated for that time. Failure to pay for time worked, including working through a lunch break, is illegal and can result in penalties from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Full Conversation

Is it legal for an employer to not give employees a lunch break
Hello ****, the rules for lunch breaks vary by location. May I know where you are located so I can provide the most accurate information?
Minnesota
Certainly, ****. In Minnesota:
- Employers must provide a meal break if the shift exceeds * hours.
- Breaks must be of reasonable length.
- Breaks are unpaid unless the employee must stay on premises.
Please check the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for more details.
If an employee works through a lunch break then should they still be getting paid
Yes, ****. If an employee in Minnesota works through a lunch break, they should be paid for that time. The break is considered work time and must be compensated.
If an employer does not pay them for time worked is that illegal
Yes, ****. In Minnesota, it's illegal for employers not to pay for time worked, including working through a lunch break. Employers violating this can face penalties from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.