Yes, your employer can tell you where and when you can eat and drink on the job. Federal law does not require that employees be given an opportunity for rest breaks, but some state laws do. In California, for example, employers must grant rest periods at the rate of 10 minutes of rest time for every four hours or major fraction thereof worked. However, no rest period is necessary if total daily work time is less than three and one-half hours. No deduction from wages may be made for authorized rest time. Insofar as practicable, a rest period must be in the middle of each work period. If you belong to a union, your shop representative will be able to give you the answer. If not, ask the company's HR department. Any further questions can be directed to your state's Department of Labor or Department of Employment.

(Reviewed 9-08)