Location: Ohio
I work as a house painter (w-2, not subcontracted) and for years we have received 30 minute paid lunch breaks. Today, out of nowhere, I clocked out and saw that our timesheet app automatically deducted a 30 minute lunch break, and when I asked my boss about this, he said we’re moving to unpaid lunch breaks.
Doesnt he have to give us notice before he takes away the paid lunches? It feels illegal to take away the lunches with absolutely zero notice — in fact, not even saying anything about it until after the fact.
It also feels relevant to note that we do not have any sort of employment contract or employee handbook.
Would love some insight on this. If there’s concrete legal backing, I’d love to put a bit of legal pressure on them; but if it’s dubious then I’ll just up and quit lol
Comments
Did you actually take the break? It’s shitty, but probably not illegal, unless they are taking away pay for time you were actually working.
Assuming you got the break no, not illegal.
If a business is pinching profit from a half hour lunch break they’re either insanely greedy or barely making money and it’s going to collapse. GTFO either way.
Also, there is no federal mandate for breaks unless you’re a minor. Also your state doesn’t even require a break at all, nevermind paid.
Employers in Ohio are not legally required to provide any lunch break.