Hi,
I work as a hourly employee in the food service industry. At my current place of employment I have never gotten a break. (I work about 8-10 hours a day) When I have asked about it in the past I have been laughed at. I have worked there for over a year. I know that it isn't legal but what could I possably do about it? Also, I was wondering about vaction time. Is there any kind of vaction time that a company must give to an hourly worker? Thanks for your time.

Do you get a meal break? That you are entitled to if you work at least 7.5 consecutive hours. Illinois law does not mandate rest breaks, only meal periods. See here: http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol/faq/qaodrisa.htm

If you are not getting the required meal period, you can file a complaint with the IL Dept. of Labor. But if you are talking about rest breaks, the only thing you can do is look for another job. They aren't required by law.

The employer does not have to provide benefits, including vacation, to any employees. Benefits are often offered differently (if at all) to different classes of employees, for example, hourly and salaried. This, in and of itself, is not illegal.

No, no meal breaks. Alot of food service jobs don't give out any meal breaks. Or at least not the ones I have worked at.