I sometimes work 12-13hrs a day with out being able to take a break or lunch,because I am the only manager on duty that day. In the state of Oregon is it legal to work someone like that and not get a lunch or break? Any answers would be greatful.:confused:

Although Oregon does require rest periods and meal breaks, it has always been questionable whether this applies to exempt employees as well as nonexempt, since exempt employees are paid to "get the job done", regardless of the time it takes.

You may want to contact the state Bureau of Labor and Industries and inquire. If you get an answer, I would appreciate your posting it here. In most cases, we have found that states do not require the breaks and meals for exempt employees, even though the law does not state such.

My office manager just researched this and I will summarize what I think she found out. Her research was directed at full time salaried employees. Depending on whether a salaried employee fits within particular categories determines whether they are exempt from breaks. The BOLI site was very helpful to her in breaking down the different salary classifications, and she also reached someone by phone who confirmed the information from the website and explained it in more detail. There was a section that discussed an employee that works alone being exempt from breaks -- she did not review that area because it does not apply to us.

We are both salaried administrative-type assistants. The breaking point, if you will, on determining our status was the fact that we don't have management authority that lets us ultimately "call the shots;" i.e., we can't sign company checks, transfer money, make case decisions, etc. Even though we are very self-directed, we do not fall under a classifications.

End result: I work 8 - 5 Mon - Fri with a 1 hour lunch and two 10 minute breaks (one a.m., one p.m.). Good luck!

:( Thanks for all the information. I did contact the Local Labor Board and was told that in Oregon if you are turely exempt or even no-exempt, that there are no regulations in regards to Breaks and lunches being provided. You have to take them when and if you can.