What are the employment laws in Pennsylvania regarding unpaid breaks and overtime pay?
Under Pennsylvania employment laws, employers are required to provide unpaid breaks to employees who work for more than five consecutive hours. The break must be at least 30 minutes long, and the employee must be relieved of all work duties during this time. Employers are not required to provide other types of breaks, such as rest breaks or coffee breaks.
Regarding overtime pay, Pennsylvania law requires employers to pay eligible employees at a rate of one and a half times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek. The law applies to all Pennsylvania employers, regardless of their size or industry.
However, there are some limitations and exceptions to these requirements. For example, certain employees may be exempt from overtime pay based on their job duties, such as executive, administrative, or professional employees. Additionally, some industries, such as trucking and transportation, have different rules and regulations regarding breaks and overtime pay.
If an employee believes their employer has violated these laws, they may file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or pursue a private lawsuit. It is recommended that employees consult with an experienced employment attorney to discuss their options and the best course of action for their specific situation.