Can I Work Six Hours Without a Lunch Break in Georgia?

In Georgia, labor laws do not mandate employers to provide lunch or rest breaks, so working six hours without a lunch break is permissible. While federal law mandates employers to compensate employees for shorter breaks, typically five to twenty minutes , it does not require employers to offer break time in the first place.

Many employers do offer breaks as a matter of policy, understanding that employees who are rested and fed are more productive. However, Georgia is not among the states that require employers to provide meal or rest periods.

Federal law stipulates that hours worked must be paid, including certain times that an employer may designate as “breaks”. For instance, if an employee has to work through lunch, that time must be paid. Similarly, employees must be paid for short breaks they are allowed to take during the day.

Employers are not obligated to pay for bona fide meal breaks during which the employee is relieved of all duties for the purpose of eating a meal. The employee doesn’t have to leave the premises during a meal break, as long as they are free from work duties. A meal break is typically considered “bona fide” if it lasts for at least thirty minutes, although shorter breaks may also qualify depending on the situation.

For minor employees under eighteen, a thirty-minute break is required if they work more than five consecutive hours. Additionally, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding mothers to express milk.

If you aren’t receiving the meal or rest breaks required by state or federal law, you should discuss the issue with your supervisor or seek legal advice from an attorney.

Did you know that time clock apps like FieldWire, Buildertrend, and JobNimbus help maintain compliance with local labor laws? 

Check out our guides on state labor laws including California, New Jersey, and more. 

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