What can I do if my employer doesn’t give me enough breaks in Hawaii?

These short breaks are considered compensable work hours under federal law, which means your employer cannot deduct this time from your pay.

Everyone needs a break from time to time. If you work hard in Hawaii, you might be wondering if your employer is legally required to give you a break during your work day. How long are your breaks supposed to last? Are your breaks supposed to be paid or unpaid? And perhaps most importantly, what can you do if your employer doesn’t give you enough breaks? It is best to leave all these questions answered by a legal professional.

Fortunately, there are many lawyers in Honolulu who specialize in employment law. These lawyers can listen carefully to your unique situation during an initial consultation and recommend the best course of action. With their help, you can confidently gather evidence, navigate the legal process, and negotiate with your employer for a settlement.

Hawaii’s only break laws

Hawaii’s only laws regarding breaks and meals relate to minors. According to Hawaiian child labor laws, employees aged 14 or 15 must be granted a 30-minute meal break if they have worked at least five hours. For all other employees, it is very important to understand that your employer is not legally required to give you any breaks. Theoretically, they could force you to work non-stop for eight hours without a single break.

What about federal laws?

Hawaii is also subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which is a set of federal laws that apply to each state, regardless of their laws. So what do the federal laws say about breaks? Again, there is no law requiring employers to give their employees any breaks. However, federal law Is state that if employers To do give their employees breaks, they must compensate them for these breaks in certain circumstances.

A common type of break in Hawaii is often called a “coffee break.” These breaks usually last no longer than 20 minutes and can be as short as five minutes. These short breaks are considered compensable work hours under federal law, which means your employer cannot deduct this time from your pay. On the other hand, meal periods (otherwise known as “lunch breaks”) usually last at least 30 minutes, and these breaks are do not compensated working hours. In other words, your lunch break will be deducted from your salary, and it’s legal.

Seek the help of a qualified lawyer today

If you have been searching the Hawaii area for a qualified and experienced employment law attorney, there are many dedicated legal professionals ready to help. With their help, you can hold your employer accountable for a wide range of possible misconduct, including not giving you appropriate breaks. Book your consultation today and you can review all your legal options with a qualified lawyer.