I work in Oklahoma in an industrial setting, and not in the front office. When I work an 8 hour day I generally receive a 30 minute lunch not paid for. I get a 10 minute break every 2 hours (paid for). When I work a 12 hour day I still get a 10 minute break every 2 hours (paid for) and generally not receive a 30 minute lunch break. When I work a 12 hour day I am required to be at work four hours before my regular shift starts. If the shift before me happens to receive a 30 minute lunch break I am not paid for the first half hour I'm there because the machines are shut off for their break. During our busy months of the year it is typical to work 12 hour shifts, everyday for 3-4 weeks, with no 30 minute lunch break. Is this legal? Also, is it legal to be scheduled for my next shift only 8 hours after I finish one? I get paid overtime over 37.5 hours worked in a week. Should I get double time for any hours worked over a certain amount in a week? :confused:

During our busy months of the year it is typical to work 12 hour shifts, everyday for 3-4 weeks, with no 30 minute lunch break. Is this legal?

Whether you *should* get a lunch break is a matter of opinion. I think that ALL employees should get a lunch break. But the law does not agree with me. Nothing in either Federal or Oklahoma law requires that you ever get a break of any kind. Your employer is already granting you more breaks than the law requires. Yes, your employer is 100% legal.

Also, is it legal to be scheduled for my next shift only 8 hours after I finish one?

Yes, it is.

I get paid overtime over 37.5 hours worked in a week. Should I get double time for any hours worked over a certain amount in a week?

Again, your employer is doing more than the law requires. Oklahoma has no state overtime laws at all, and Federal law only requires that you receive time and a half over 40 in a week. Nothing in the law entitles you to be paid double time, ever.

Just what are the rules on breaks for lunch and "ciggarette for 8-10 hour shifts and often up to 14 hours. Surely they dont expect us to be super men.

What part of "there is no law" don't you understand? OSHA requires the employee be given "adequate" time to use the restroom. That's it. No, there doesn't have to be a meal period. No, there doesn't have to be rest breaks, cigarette breaks or any other type of formal breaks. This is strictly up to company policy.