Missouri Labor Laws on Breaks: Ensuring a Fair and Safe Workplace

In Missouri, like in all states, employers are required by law to give their workers certain rights and benefits. These may include minimum wage, health and safety regulations, and paid time off. One of the most important of these benefits is the right to breaks during the workday. In this article, we will explore Missouri labor laws on breaks, what employers are required to provide, and what employees should know to ensure they are receiving these essential breaks.

Introduction to Missouri Labor Laws on Breaks

Missouri state labor laws have several requirements when it comes to the breaks that employees receive. At the federal level, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not mandate that employers provide rest or meal breaks to employees. However, most states, including Missouri, have set up labor laws that mandate such breaks. These are intended to give workers relief during the workday and to ensure they are not overworked, fatigued, and potentially unsafe as a result.

The types of breaks required and the frequency of these breaks can vary somewhat from state to state, but they are typically mandated by law. In Missouri, the state does have regulations on breaks, and employers must comply with these requirements.

Types of Breaks Required in Missouri

The main two types of breaks required in Missouri are rest and meal breaks. These are designed to give employees a chance to rest, eat, and recharge during the course of the workday. The specific requirements for rest and meal breaks in Missouri are laid out in the state labor code.

Rest Breaks in Missouri

Rest breaks serve as a chance for employees working in non-manufacturing and non-mining roles to get off their feet and rest while on the job. Missouri law requires employers to provide rest breaks of ten minutes in length for employees who work shifts of three and a half to six hours. For shifts that last between six and a half to eight hours, employers must provide two ten-minute rest breaks.

These rest breaks are generally compensated and must be provided in such a way that they do not disrupt employees’ workflow. For instance, they may be scheduled during a natural pause in the workday or assigned to coincide with times when workers are not otherwise engaged in tasks.

Meal Breaks in Missouri

Meal breaks serve as a chance for employees to enjoy a meal without having to work. Missouri law requires employers to provide an uninterrupted meal break period of at least thirty minutes for employees who work at least five hours consecutively. This break must be provided no later than the end of the sixth hour of the employee’s shift.

Crucially, meal break periods must be uninterrupted. This means that employees must be free to leave the workplace or work area and take their meal in peace, with no work-related interruptions or expectations. Additionally, these breaks must be unpaid, unlike rest breaks, which are generally compensated.

Employees should keep in mind that breaks are not meant to be used as a way for employers to cut work hours. Employers should not be docking pay or “punishing” employees for taking their legally mandated breaks.

Enforcement of Missouri Labor Laws on Breaks

In recent years, Missouri has become more strict in enforcing its labor laws on breaks. As of August 2017, the St. Louis Minimum Wage Law went into effect, setting the minimum wage for hourly workers in the city of St. Louis to $10 per hour. While this was intended to give hourly workers better compensation for their work, it was initially met with controversy from businesses who worried that increased labor costs could harm their bottom lines.

Despite these concerns, Missouri labor laws have remained in place, with the state enforcing penalties against employers who do not offer the legally required breaks to their employees. These penalties can add up quickly, with employers potentially being fined for each day they are found in violation of the labor code. Furthermore, violation of labor laws can hurt an employer’s reputation, leading to negative publicity and making it harder to find quality employees in the future.

While labor laws on breaks are important for workers’ rights and safety, they can be complicated and difficult to navigate. Employees who believe their employer may be in violation of Missouri labor laws should reach out to a legal professional who is experienced in labor issues. Legal professionals can work with employees to investigate potential violations, suggest solutions, and take legal action if necessary.

What Employees Should Know About Missouri Labor Laws on Breaks

As an employee, it is important to understand your rights when it comes to labor laws on breaks. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

You are entitled to breaks: As long as you are working a shift of at least five hours, you are entitled to a 30-minute meal break. For shifts of at least three and a half hours but less than six and a half hours, you are entitled to a ten-minute rest break.

Your employer cannot discourage you from taking breaks: Missouri labor laws are designed to ensure that employees take the necessary breaks to avoid potential safety concerns and promote worker productivity. As such, your employer cannot pressure or punish you for taking legally mandated breaks.

If your employer is not following labor laws on breaks, you may have legal recourse: Employers who are found in violation of Missouri labor laws on breaks can be fined and may be required to change their labor practices. Employees who believe that their employer is not following labor laws on breaks should consider working with a legal professional to investigate potential violations and take legal action, if necessary.

Conclusion

Missouri labor laws on breaks are in place to ensure that employees are treated fairly and given the opportunity to rest and recharge during the workday. Employers who do not follow these laws can face serious penalties and negative publicity, while employees who feel that they are not receiving legally mandated breaks should contact a legal professional to investigate potential violations. By understanding the requirements and benefits of Missouri labor laws on breaks, employees can advocate for their rights and improve their overall work experience.

What Are the Missouri Labor Laws for Breaks?

Obviously, a worker would need some kind of break, or breaks, while working! That goes for anywhere in the United States. But specifically in Missouri? Here’s the skinny on Missouri labor laws for breaks….

Understanding the Missouri Labor Laws for Breaks

Don’t be shocked, but as far as MO labor laws for breaks are concerned, there’s no legal mandate in existence in the state requiring any employer to have to provide a break, even a lunch hour upon working a full shift.

It does specifically say in Missouri labor laws for breaks, though, that the provisions suggested by common employer/employee practice be left under the jurisdiction of the employer and also agreed upon by the employee.

In other words, when it comes to the MO labor laws for breaks, the employee must know the employer’s intention in regards to lunch breaks and breaks. From there, the employee can either accept it or not. In addition, Missouri labor laws for breaks do allow for employees to petition and address company policy and contract to allow breaks if the employer hasn’t done so already.

Again, to stipulate: under the MO labor laws for breaks, it’s completely within the discretion of the employer, but the employee may try to negotiate as much as possible and also doesn’t have to accept the job as well.

What Are the MO Labor Laws for Breaks For Workers Under the Age of 16?

Interestingly enough, it just so happens that no employer has a mandate under MO labor laws for breaks to provide any kind of breaks to employers, who are under the age of 16, at all. Not that it would matter, though, because at that age typically part-time employment is the norm.

However…. It just so happens that within the Missouri labor law for breaks, employees are required to provide breaks of all kinds to workers under the age of 16 if working in the entertainment industry. This Missouri labor law for breaks would apply to all facets of the industry: TV, movies, dance, acting, singing, etc. etc.

The specifics on the Missouri labor law for breaks include a meal break for any shift that’s more than 5 ½ hours time. In addition, under the Missouri labor law for breaks, you can expect a 15-minute break as well for each 2-hour consecutive length of work in the shift.

As with any common law of employment in regards to breaks, under Missouri labor law for breaks, the ‘meal’ break doesn’t count in the hours paid. 15-minute breaks, however, do.

Where Can I Find Out More Knowledge of Missouri Labor Laws?

Simply check with the website for more information about what you need to expect when it comes to employment.

Everything from….

1. Hiring Processes

2. Wrongful Termination

3. Minimum Wage for Employees

4. Fair and Equal Pay

5. Discrimination

6. Drug Tests

It’s all there in regards to Missouri labor laws for breaks.

Recognize, too, that a union is available to provide resources for employees to maintain those rights and make sure that no rights are violated. Consider it something like a suitable checks-and-balances system where not only are employees are held accountable for the work they do, but employers are held accountable for upholding those Missouri labor laws for breaks.