Rest and Meal Periods

Each workday, nonexempt employees are encouraged to take a break period of 15 minutes in length for each 4 hours worked. To the extent possible, break periods should be taken in the middle of work periods. Since this time is counted and paid as time worked, employees must not be absent from their workstations beyond the allotted break period time. Generally employees should not leave the work site during the break period without prior permission of their supervisor.

Employees may be provided with one unpaid meal period each workday, depending on their particular schedule. Supervisors will schedule meal periods to accommodate operating requirements. Employees will be relieved of all active responsibilities and restrictions during meal periods and will not be compensated for their meal period. If an employee is required to perform any substantial work during the meal period, he/she should notify the supervisor and request to record the time as worked time. The supervisor may extend the lunch period, authorize overtime, or allow the employee to leave early to compensate.

Employees may not skip their meal period to leave work early without the prior approval of their supervisor. Because break periods are paid time, no overtime or additional compensation will be awarded if an employee is required to work through a break period. Likewise, employees may not skip their break period to leave work early.

Employees who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment.

Policy No.  506  Issued  10/1/2002  Applicable  8/8/2002