Under Ohio law, there is no requirement for employers to provide their employees with rest or meal periods. However, if an employer does choose to provide breaks, they must follow certain rules.
Employees who work at least 7.5 hours in a day are entitled to a 30-minute meal break, which should be provided no later than the end of the fifth consecutive work hour. During this break, the employee should be completely relieved of all work-related duties.
If an employer chooses to provide rest breaks, they must be at least 10 minutes in length and are considered time worked, meaning the employee must be paid for the break. Rest breaks should be scheduled in the middle of the work period to the extent practicable.
If an employer fails to provide meal or rest breaks in compliance with Ohio law, the employee may have a claim for unpaid wages and may be able to recover damages and penalties. However, it is important to note that there are several exceptions to these rules, such as for employees in certain industries or for those who are exempt from overtime requirements.
If you believe that your employer is violating Ohio's rules regarding meal and rest breaks, you should speak with an experienced employment law attorney. An attorney can help you determine your rights and can advise you on the best course of action to take.
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