Do I have to take a Lunch?

[Ritzloved]

I work in at an Environmental Engineering company in Colorado. What I need to know is wether I have to take a lunch. I read the Colorado Labor Law and it states "employees shall be entitled to an uninterrupted and 'duty-free' meal period". So does "entitled" mean it is illegal for me to not take a lunch? As a single mom I would perfer to work through lunch and get home to my child.

[cbg]

Off the top of my head, I'm not sure if CO is one of the states where an employee may waive the lunch if they choose to AND have their employer's permission. I have a couple of colleagues in CO - I'll check with them tomorrow.

However, even if the law permits you to waive it, that doesn't mean your employer is required to do so. If your employer tells you that you must take a lunch, then you must take a lunch.

[Margo]

it's not a state law it's a federal law, if an employee is scheduled over a 6 hour shift, the employee must take a lunch. if not the company can be fined for each violation. the fine is upto but not limited to $1,000 per violation per employee who doesnt take a lunch.

[cbg]

Margo, that is absolutely incorrect. Federal law does not require a lunch regardless of the length of the shift.

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workhours/breaks.htm

[Margo]

Originally Posted by cbg

Margo, that is absolutely incorrect. Federal law does not require a lunch regardless of the length of the shift.

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workhours/breaks.htm

cbg, thanks for the info, then our bookkeeper is mis-informed, she believes it's a federal law, and she posted a sign by our time clocks stating that its a federal thing. sorry for the late responce.