Hello, I found the answer to the question for adults but am unable to find it for minors. So the question is, how long in North Carolina can a minor (age 17 till July) work without time for a meal break? Background, she works in a nationally franchised restaurant as a "Party Hostess / Cashier". She makes minimum wage and does not get tips (policy of chain). Normally they give her time off (30 minutes with out pay, she has to clock out and then back in) for a meal break. No issues here. Several times in the last month they have been short staffed and busy. The manager refuses her time off in these circumstances. Tonight she came home after working 9 1/2 hours straight and was pretty upset. She is afraid to push the issue as the manager has been promising her a wage hike for the last several months but has conviently always put her off as to busy, let’s talk next shift, etc. I would appreciate any assistance or links to NC law that may help her in this.
Thanks, GM

NC law does not appear to require breaks for 16 and 17 year old workers.

http://www.nclabor.com/wh/fact%20sheets/joint_state_fed.htm#hours

Thank you for the timely reply. The web links were quite informative. I guess that she is at the mercy of a (insert descriptive words here) boss. Again, thank you. GM