Like several other states in the United States, Idaho does not have a state law that regulates rest and meal breaks for employees. However, this does not lessen the importance of taking breaks between work and the significance of the provisions under federal law.
This article provides insights into the rights and obligations of employees and employers regarding Idaho break laws.
This article covers:
- Rest Breaks in Idaho
- Meal Breaks in Idaho
- Breastfeeding Breaks in Idaho
- Break Obligations for Minor Employees in Idaho
Rest Breaks in Idaho
Employers in Idaho are not required to provide rest breaks for employees. However, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers who decide to offer rest breaks in their employee benefits package must be aware that breaks lasting less than 20 minutes are considered time worked and must be compensated.
Moreover, employers should know that rest breaks are different from the meal breaks they could provide.
Meal Breaks in Idaho
No law in the state mandates employers to provide meal breaks to their workers. However, if an employer decides to offer lunch periods, it is necessary to relieve the employees of all their duties and allow them to leave the workplace during this period. Employees are not entitled to pay for meal breaks that last for 30 minutes or more, and such breaks are considered unpaid.
However, if the worker is required to work during the meal break, the time worked during this period should be compensated and paid accordingly.
Breastfeeding Breaks in Idaho
According to the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, nursing employees have the right to receive break time to express milk and a private place to pump at work. The frequency and duration of breaks needed to express milk will likely vary depending on factors related to the nursing employee and the child.
Under the FLSA, when an employee is using break time at work to express breast milk, they either:
- Must be completely relieved from duty; or
- Must be paid for the break time.
Break Obligations for Minor Employees in Idaho
Idaho labor laws require employers to provide a minimum of a 30-minute meal period to minors under the age of 18 if they work for more than five consecutive hours. This meal period should be provided five hours after the minor employee’s shift begins.
Although there are no specific break rules for adult employees in Idaho, it is still vital for both employers and employees to understand their rights and any company-specific policies regarding breaks. It is crucial to comply with federal regulations and stay updated about changes to local laws for both parties in the employment relationship.
Learn more about Idaho Labor Laws through our detailed guide.
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.
