I am a nurse in a SC Hospital . I am the only nurse on the unit, and it's usually impossible for me to get the 30 minute lunch break they deduct every shift from my pay. I was told when I was hired I have to eat on the unit. I still have to answer call bells, give meds etc while I try to eat. I didn't complain about this for almost 2 years.I work an 8 hour shift, but I only get paid for 7 1/2 hours--even though I didn't get 5 minutes some days-- My unit recently was swamped so for about 6 days I wrote in our time book " No lunch, no coverage" I got a very nasty email from my supervisor telling me she couldn't believe I was THAT busy and said she'd believe it if I hadn't gone out for a cigarette break- then told me to get the shift supervisor to come relieve me every night. I spoke to one of the supervisors about the message and she said there is no way they could cover me for that long.--To top it off she sent courtesy copies to 3 people, which was slightly humiliating when I have been working for free all that time. If this is illegal, wanna do our class action? Thanks! Marc

First of all, this is not a place to go attorney-hunting, and solicitations for business by attorneys is prohibited by the rules of this site.

Anyway, you don't need an attorney. If you worked through your lunch period, assuming you are a nonexempt (basically, hourly-paid) employee, you must be paid for that time. You can file a claim with the state Dept. of Labor for unpaid wages.

However, that does not mean you cannot be "harrassed" or disciplined for working through your meal period. I would recommend finding out what the proper procedure is if you determine you cannot take your lunch period, and follow it to the letter. That will solve this part of the problem.