Wyoming labor laws do not require employers to provide rest or meal breaks to employees. However, federal regulations apply to certain types of breaks, including those for nursing employees.
This guide explains Wyoming break laws in simple terms, covering rest breaks, meal periods, and break protections for minor and nursing employees. It also outlines the potential consequences of non-compliance and employer retaliation.
Key Takeaways From Wyoming Break Laws
|
This Article Covers
- Rest and Meal Breaks in Wyoming
- Breastfeeding Breaks in Wyoming
- Breaks for Minor Employees in Wyoming
- Penalties for Violating Break Laws in Wyoming
Rest and Meal Breaks in Wyoming
Employers are not required to provide rest or meal breaks under Wyoming break laws. Any breaks provided are at the employer’s discretion.
Breastfeeding Breaks in Wyoming
Wyoming does not have state-specific laws for breastfeeding breaks. However, covered employees under the federal PUMP Act are entitled to reasonable, break time to express milk for up to one year after the child’s birth. Employees can take these breaks each time they need to express milk.
Pumping breaks can be unpaid if employees are completely relieved from all job duties. However, if an employee spends the break working, they must be paid.
Employees can also use their existing paid breaks for breastfeeding. In such cases, they must be paid the same way as other employees who use those breaks.
Employers must also provide a private space, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion.
Some employees are exempt from providing breastfeeding breaks, including those in certain industries, such as airlines, railroads, and motorcoach carriers. Employers with fewer than 50 employees can also qualify for an exemption if providing the break time and private space could cause undue hardship to their business operations.
Learn about your rights as a salaried employee in Wyoming.
Breaks for Minor Employees in Wyoming
There are no specific rest or meal breaks required for minor employees in Wyoming. Any breaks provided are at the employer’s discretion.
However, the state’s child labor laws set strict limits on work hours and job types for minor employees.
Minors aged 14–15 cannot work more than three hours on a school day or 18 hours in a school week. They can work up to eight hours on a non‑school day and 40 hours in a non‑school week. They are only allowed to work between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. from June 1st to Labor Day during the summer).
Minors aged 16–17 may work longer hours, but are still restricted from hazardous jobs.
Penalties for Violating Break Laws in Wyoming
Employers covered by federal law cannot fire, demote, or retaliate against an employee for requesting or using breastfeeding breaks in Wyoming. If a violation occurs, employees can report violations to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division or pursue a private lawsuit.
When found guilty, the employer can be ordered to provide:
- Reinstatement or a promotion.
- Back pay, plus an equal amount in liquidated damages.
- Compensatory and other make-whole remedies.
- Punitive damages.
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.
