My workplace (in Virginia) has started a "lock-down" rule due to "security purposes". The doors are locked and alarms are set from 12AM to 4AM. We have two 30 minute breaks, which one of them is taken while alarms are taken off and doors are being open to let the next shift in. If we are OFF the clock, can they legally keep us inside? Many of us need to get that fresh air to keep us motivated working overnight.

Yes they may. As long as you are completely relieved of duty, that's all that is really necessary. There are other ways to "refresh yourself" other than going out in 30 degree weather. At least that's what it was here a couple of nights ago. :(

Okay.. not what I was hoping to hear, but. My work lets every other shift outside on their time and the employees time. Can they really treat employees on my shift differently from other shifts? For example, We open the doors at 4AM for that shift to clock in and by 6AM, they are outside (on company time, and not a scheduled break) for a cigarette, but not only are the employees on my shift not allowed out during our breaks, we are not allowed outside and 6AM either. Can they really do THIS?!?!