Are you dealing with an issue at work related to your meal and rest breaks in Phoenix, Arizona? Houk Employment Attorneys can help you assert your legal rights and take action under state and federal law as appropriate.
Our trusted employment law firm has 45 years of combined experience protecting employees in Phoenix and throughout the State of Arizona. We have recovered millions of dollars to date for workers who have suffered illegal practices in the workplace, and now we’re here to get to work for you.
Contact us today at (480) 569-2377 to schedule an initial consultation. We can answer all of your questions and advise you on your next steps when you meet with us.
How Can Houk Employment Attorneys Help With a Break-Related Violation in Phoenix, AZ?
Employers often try to exploit gray areas in labor laws to maximize their profits, hoping that workers won’t challenge them. However, the truth is that you may have substantial legal protections available to you depending on the facts and circumstances of your case.
When you hire Houk Employment Attorneys, our wage and hour disputes lawyers can:
- Review your employer’s policies, time records, and pay statements
- Determine whether state and federal laws apply to your situation
- Identify patterns of wage theft and break violations
- File complaints with the appropriate labor agencies
- Negotiate back pay and damages on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary
Our legal team knows how this area of the law works as well as anyone, and we’re confident we can help you make the most of your claim if you hire us. Call us today to get started.
What Arizona Law Says About Meal and Rest Breaks
Unlike some states, Arizona does not have its own state law requiring employers to provide meal or rest breaks to adult workers. This means that, in most private workplaces, employers are not legally obligated to provide breaks under state law.
However, federal law under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides important protections that can still apply in many situations. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued guidelines about when breaks must be paid and how employers should handle them.
Here’s how the general rules work under federal law:
- Short breaks (5 to 20 minutes) must be counted as paid work time. Employers cannot deduct these from your paycheck.
- Meal breaks (typically 30 minutes or more) can be unpaid, but only if the employee is completely relieved from duty during the break.
If your employer requires you to perform any tasks during your break, that time must be paid. For example, if you’re a call center employee who eats lunch at your desk while answering calls, you are still considered “on the clock” and should be paid for that time.
Common Violations Involving Meal and Rest Breaks
Employers often violate break-related labor laws in subtle ways.
Common violations include:
- Requiring employees to clock out for breaks but continue working
- Deducting automatic meal periods even when no break was taken
- Denying breaks altogether during busy shifts
- Pressuring workers to skip breaks to meet performance goals
- Retaliating against employees who complain about break violations
If your employer engages in any of these practices, you may be entitled to back pay for unpaid wages and other damages under the applicable statutes.
Can My Employer Retaliate if I Complain About Missed Breaks?
No. Both federal and Arizona law protect employees who report wage and hour violations. If your employer retaliates against you for asserting your rights, such as by cutting your hours, that may be illegal.
Our employment law attorneys can potentially file a retaliation claim on your behalf in these circumstances to seek your reinstatement or other remedies as appropriate. Standing up for your rights shouldn’t cost you your job, and we’re here to make sure it doesn’t.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wage and Hour Claim in Phoenix?
Under the FLSA, employees typically have two years from the date of the violation to file a wage-related claim. However, if your employer’s conduct was willful, the deadline may extend to three years.
Considering how important it is to take timely legal action, it’s best to contact an employment lawyer as soon as possible. We can help you preserve the available evidenceand file your claim before the deadline expires.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Phoenix Employment Lawyers
If your employer is mistreating you with regard to your meal and rest breaks in Phoenix, AZ, Houk Employment Attorneys can help. We have 45 years of combined experience and have recovered millions for workers across Arizona, giving us the track record and confidence to handle these cases effectively from the start.
Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you and to schedule an initial consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
