I have searched all over trying to find what the requirements are for providing break rooms for public employees. I am employed by a small town with 15 full time employees and we add 10 - 15 seasonal workers during the summer.

Our break room consists of two empty garage bays. In this room are open oil drums and a working air compressor. The room is connected by a large opening to our mechanics bays. The bays are often filled with car/truck fumes and emissions, welding smoke and other odors and fumes. The only comforts are a old refrigerator, chairs from the trash (to replace benches), and an old microwave donated by an employee. Do we have any rights??? Most of us live too far away to drive home for breaks and can't afford to go out for meals.:confused:

Is the township required to provide a break room?

If so what are the requirements for that room?

Thank you

Generally labor code does not address this issue. Only a select few states even have legislation that exists requiring employers to offer breaks at all. NJ is not one of those states.

http://www.ewin.com/articles/restper.htm

There may be an industry specific exception (i.e. airline pilots); however for general employment breaks are not required. Many companies have policies which provide for breaks. These policies are not mandated by law. As such employers are free to set policy on this matter as sees fit.

I agree that your break area does not sound ideal. The problem is that labor code does not specifically require your boss to even have a break room. Sorry!