Understanding break laws in Tennessee is important for both employers and employees to maintain a compliant and well-structured workplace. While the state does not require paid breaks, Tennessee labor laws include specific protections for minor and nursing employees.
This guide explains everything you need to know about rest and meal breaks, breastfeeding breaks, break rules for minors, and penalties for violations of break laws in Tennessee.
Key Takeaways From Tennessee Break Laws
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This Article Covers
- Rest and Meal Breaks in Tennessee
- Breastfeeding Breaks in Tennessee
- Breaks for Minor Employees in Tennessee
- Penalties for Violating Break Laws in Tennessee
Rest and Meal Breaks in Tennessee
Employers must provide a 30-minute unpaid rest or meal break to employees scheduled to work six consecutive hours under Tennessee break laws. This break cannot be scheduled during the first hour of the shift.
This rule does not apply to jobs that naturally allow regular rest opportunities, such as food and beverage roles or security guard positions. In such cases, employees may waive the break through a waiver agreement, which must clearly state its duration and how it can be revoked.
Employers cannot force employees to waive breaks. Any waiver policy should be voluntary, and either party may cancel the agreement with at least seven days’ notice.
Breastfeeding Breaks in Tennessee
Employers must provide reasonable unpaid break time each day for employees to express breast milk, as per Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-1-305. This break time should overlap with an employee’s existing breaks, whenever possible.
Employers in Tennessee must make reasonable efforts to provide a private space close to the employee’s work area, other than a toilet stall, for expressing milk.
Employers are not required to comply with this breastfeeding break law in Tennessee it would cause undue hardship to their business operations.
Breaks for Minor Employees in Tennessee
Minor employees must be provided a 30-minute unpaid rest or meal break when working a six-hour shift, as mandated by the Tennessee Code. Ann. § 50-5-115. This break cannot be scheduled during the first hour of the shift.
Minor employees under 18 years of age cannot waive their right to break as per the state’s break laws, even if the nature of the job provides ample rest opportunities.
Learn about other child labor laws in Tennessee.
Penalties for Violating Break Laws in Tennessee
Employers who deny breaks may be punished with a fine of $100-$500. If the violation is willful, the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development may also impose a civil penalty of $500 to $1000.
If a violation is deemed unintentional, the employer may receive a warning for the first offense instead of a penalty. For repeat violations, penalties apply, and the Commissioner may choose to proceed either civilly or criminally. However, an employer cannot be penalized both civilly and criminally for the same violation.
Important Cautionary Note
This content is provided for informational purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee that it is free of errors or omissions. Users are advised to independently verify any critical information and should not solely rely on the content provided.
