colorado labor laws for waitressing

[jslone06]

I work at a restraunt and only make 2.15 an hour. My boss says we don't get breaks because there is no time for that. She even refuses me my smoke breaks. For the last three days I have not even had a meal while working 10 hour shifts. I am so scared of her because she yells and screams at us for stupid stuff. I refuse to even ask her a question because she is so evil and mean. I usually just go the whole day hungry and really tierd. once she leaves for the day if there are no customers I sneak out in the parking lot and have a smoke. Can she fire me for this? She also talks about everyone behind there backs and says that everyone is stupid. I really want to confront her about the gossip. Can she fire me for that?

[Sue]

Some employers simply don't know the laws.
Here is the law in Colorado:
BREAKS--
http://www.dol.gov/esa/programs/whd/state/rest.htm

Paid 10-minute rest period for each 4-hour work period or major fraction thereof; as practicable, in middle of each work period.

Administratively issued Wage Order for 7 industries.

Applicable to retail trade, food and beverage, public housekeeping, medical profession, beauty service, laundry and dry cleaning and janitorial service industries. Excludes certain occupations, such as teacher, nurse, and other medical professionals.

LUNCH/MEAL PERIODS-
http://www.dol.gov/esa/programs/whd/state/meal.htm

½ hour after 5 hours, except when workday will be completed in 6 hours or less. On-duty meal period counted as time worked and permitted when nature of work prevents relief from all duties.

Administratively issued Wage Order for 7 industries

Applicable to retail trade, food and beverage, public housekeeping, medical profession, beauty service, laundry and dry cleaning, and janitorial service industries. Excludes certain occupations, such as teacher, nurse, and other medical professionals.

[cactus jack]

I think you should change employers. I work part time for a restaurant, and they treat everyone good. The owners are really good people, the manages are good as well, and other than a couple of smart mouthed teeny-boppers, everyone is well behaved and professional. The pay ain't the greatest, but that's incremental when compared to other places. Why work for the same or less pay at a place where you're treated like 2nd hand garbage? If you're gonna enjoy your work, you gotta make sure it's what you want to do and where you want to do it. BTDT.

Sometimes exceptional pay ain't worth the extra pennies if it adversely affects your stress level. And abusive employers take a heavy toll on your inner psyche.