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do i have to take a lunch if i work 7 hours

by Dr. Gregg Beier Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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If employees work for consecutively for seven and half hours or more, a half an hour lunch break is require after the first and before the last two hours of work. Employers who provide a half an hour of paid rest within each seven and a half hours of work are exempt.

There is, however, no legal requirement to provide a workday meal break in Florida, except for employees age 17 or younger. Until an employee's 18th birthday, Florida labor law requires that minor employees be given at least a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break for every 4 hours of continuous work.Jan 23, 2022

Full Answer

Do I have to give employees a lunch break?

Several states require employers to provide a meal (lunch) break of at least 30 minutes for employees who work more than 5 or 6 hours at a time. A few states require employers to provide a second 30-minute (minimum) lunch break for employees that work more than 10 hours in a work day.

How many hours can you work without a lunch break?

If you work more than 5 hours but less than 6 hoursin a day, you and your employer may agree to waive the lunch breakfor the work period. Such a waiver has to be with mutual consent. If you work a longer shift, you may be entitled to more meal breaks.

Is it legal for an employee to eat lunch without working?

However, employers must allow employees to take the full lunch break without working unless a state law specifies otherwise. However, many people eat lunch while continuing to work at their desk. These employees typically receive pay for their time since they are not taking a legally defined lunch break.

What is the 8 hour rule for lunch time?

½ hour, off premises, for lunch in each 8-hour shift. Applicable to assembly plant, workshop, or mechanical establishment, unless employee is covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement or other written agreement between an employer and employee. ½ hour, if work is for 8 continuous hours.

How many hours can you work without a meal?

How many hours can an employer not work without a second meal?

What is a meal period?

How many hours of rest is required for a state employee?

How many hours is counted as worktime?

How long is a meal in Puerto Rico?

How many hours does a hotel room attendant work?

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Do I legally have to take a lunch break in MN?

State law requires employers to provide employees with restroom time and sufficient time to eat a meal. If the break is less than 20 minutes in duration, it must be counted as hours worked. Time to use the nearest restroom must be provided within each four consecutive hours of work.

Can I waive my lunch break in Colorado?

Employees do not have to take a lunch break in Colorado. Colorado lunch break laws state that the employer must offer the employee an unpaid lunch hour of 30 minutes. The meal break is unpaid if the employee is completely relieved of their duties for the 30-minute period.

What is the minimum amount of time for lunch?

Federal Laws: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) defines the meal (lunch) period lasting at least 30 minutes and not 20 minutes or less. Breaks less than 20 minutes are rest breaks and not considered a meal/lunch break.

Can I waive my lunch break in Illinois?

Federal law doesn't require meal breaks, but Illinois law does. If you work at least 7½ hours a day, it entitles you to a 20 minute meal period. That meal period must begin “no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period.”

Can I work 6 hours without a lunch break?

The law only says you have a right to a 20-minute break if you work more than 6 hours. It does not say when the break must be given. As such, your employer is allowed to ask you to take your break at this time.

How many hours can I work without a break?

six hoursA worker is entitled to an uninterrupted break of 20 minutes when daily working time is more than six hours. It should be a break in working time and should not be taken either at the start, or at the end, of a working day.

Do I get a break for working 5 hours?

How many breaks should I get? You have a right to: A 15 minute break when you have worked more than 4 ½ hours. A 30 minute break when you have worked more than 6 hours, which can include the first 15-minute break.

How much break do you get for an 8 hour shift?

There is no obligation for your break to be paid, but your employer may pay some or all lunch and tea breaks. Your break also doesn't count towards the length of your working day. So on an 8 hour shift, with a 20 minute break, you are deemed to have worked 8 hours.

Why longer lunches are better?

Longer school lunch periods, especially longer seated lunch times, result in less food waste as well as improved student performance, cognitive function, physical health, and social/emotional health.

How many hours can you work without a lunch break in Illinois?

ODRISA also requires a mandatory unpaid twenty-minute meal break for any employee who is to work for seven-and-one-half continuous hours or longer, which must be provided within the first five hours of work.

Can you get fired for refusing to work overtime in Illinois?

3 Section 25. Refusal to work mandatory overtime. The 4 refusal of any employee to accept mandatory overtime may not 5 be grounds for discrimination, dismissal, discharge, 6 retaliation, or an employment decision adverse to the 7 employee.

How long of a lunch break is required in Illinois?

The SR-22 is required for three years. Failure to do so will result in a driver's license suspension.

Is lunch required by law in Colorado?

Under Colorado law, certain employers must give employees a 30-minute meal break once the employee has worked five hours. Meal breaks are unpaid, as long as the employee has an uninterrupted, duty-free meal break. This means the employee can't be required to do any work or to wait around for work that might pop up.

Are 15 minute breaks paid Colorado?

Under Colorado law, nonexempt employees are entitled to paid 10 minute breaks every four hours of work but not entitled to 15 minute paid breaks.

What breaks are you entitled to on a 8 hour shift?

How many breaks should I get? You have a right to: A 15 minute break when you have worked more than 4 ½ hours. A 30 minute break when you have worked more than 6 hours, which can include the first 15-minute break.

How many hours can you work in a day in Colorado?

12 hoursIn Colorado, there is no limit to the number of hours that you can legally work in a day. However, if you're an hourly employee, Colorado law requires you to receive time and a half pay for any work past 12 hours in a day.

Minimum Length of Meal Period Required under State Law for Adult ... - DOL

FOOTNOTES . 1/ The following 35 jurisdictions also have separate provisions requiring meal periods specifically for minors (when minors are covered by two provisions ...

Lunch Break Laws By State - Paycor

Lunch Breaks Aren’t Always a Requirement for Employers. Most employers provide their employees with a paid or unpaid lunch break and some provide additional rest break periods.

Rest Breaks and Meal Breaks | U.S. Department of Labor - DOL

Generally, when an employee is "on duty" (that is they must be in the home and prepared to provide services when required), they are working. For example, a direct care worker who must watch over an ill client is on duty and must be paid for all of that time.

Federal Lunch and Work Break Laws [Updated 2021] - QuickBooks

The DOL considers short breaks (those lasting 20 minutes or fewer) paid work hours. So business owners must include them in an employee’s total hours worked per week. Employees should track short breaks, as this time contributes to their total hours and could be overtime.

Lunch or Other Meal Periods - U.S. Office of Personnel Management

A lunch or other meal period is an approved period of time in a nonpay and nonwork status that interrupts a basic workday or a period of overtime work for the purpose of permitting employees to eat or engage in permitted personal activities. The law does not provide employees with an explicit entitlement to a meal period. Each agency has the authority to establish its own requirements for meal ...

How many hours do you have to take a break from work?

They also must have at least a 12-hour break between work day. *Does not apply if the workday is only 6 hours or if waived by mutual consent. A second meal period is required after 10 hours but may be waived if work day isn’t longer than 12 hours and first meal period isn’t waived.

How long can you take a meal break in New York?

Meal breaks of 30+ minutes can be unpaid. >20 minutes – rest breaks. 30+ minutes – meal breaks. New York. Every person employed or in connection with a factory shall be allowed at least 60 minutes for the noonday meal.

How long is a second meal period?

A second meal period is required after 10 hours but may be waived if work day isn’t longer than 12 hours and first meal period isn’t waived. (For more details, read our guide to California Compliance) Employees who work for 3 ½ hours or more get one paid rest break for every 4-hour period worked. At least 30 minutes.

How long can you work in a factory in North Carolina?

At least 60 minutes. At least 30 minutes. North Carolina.

How long is a noonday meal?

Every person employed or in connection with a mercantile or other establishment or occupation under the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed at least 30 minutes for the noonday meal.

How many hours do you have to work to be a worker in Vermont?

Employees under 18 for every 5 hours worked. Employees under 18 for every 3 hours or part thereof worked. At least 30 minutes. At least 10 minutes for each rest break. Vermont. Employers must provide a “reasonable opportunity” to eat and use the restroom. This opportunity must be paid if it is less than 30 minutes.

How many hours do you get paid for a rest break?

Employees who work for 3 ½ hours or more get one paid rest break for every 4-hour period worked

How many meal periods do you get if you work 10 hours?

The length of your meal period doesn't change based on hours worked. So, you get a 30 minute meal period for every five hours worked. If you work 5 or more hours, you get one 30 minute meal period. If you work 10 hours, you get two 30 minute meal periods, and if you work 15 hours you get three 30 minute meal periods.

How many meal periods are there?

The length of your meal period doesn't change based on hours worked. So, you get a 30 minute meal period for every five hours worked. If you work 5 or more hours, you get one 30 minute meal period. If you work 10 hours, you get two 30 minute meal periods, and if you work 15 hours you get three 30 minute meal periods. You don't get to combine them, and they have to be taken separately. Or rather, you can do whatever you want with your meal periods, but your employer cannot force you to combine them.

What happens if an exempt employee takes two hours of lunch on Tuesday?

So, if your exempt employee spends two hours at lunch on Tuesday, their paycheck remains the same. You have to pay employees who refuse to take breaks as required by state law. You are held liable. The responsibility to follow the state law lies directly on the shoulders of the employer.

What Is a Break for a Nonexempt Employee?

Breaks and lunch periods are times, specified by the employer, during which nonexempt employees are not actively working on the job. Employees use break time, which generally lasts from five to 20 minutes per four hours worked, to eat, visit the restroom, read, talk with friends, smoke, and handle personal business.

How long does a coffee break count as overtime?

However, if the employer does supply coffee breaks away from the job (generally 20 minutes or less), the employer is required to count these hours as compensated. They also count toward the accumulation of hours eligible for overtime pay. Meal periods, that typically last 30–60 minutes, during which an employee eats breakfast, lunch, or dinner, ...

Can an employer ask a nonexempt employee a work related question while they are at lunch?

Can an employer ask a nonexempt employee a work-related question while they are at lunch? Yes, within limitations. As long as this is considered “de minimus” you can do so. For instance, it's okay to say, “Jane, where's the file on the Smith project?” but it's not okay to say, “Jane, can you get me the file on the Smith project, and add up our spend to date?” The latter question should wait until her break is over.

Can an employer pay an employee who works through lunch?

Nonexempt Employee Works Through Lunch? Yes, an employer has to pay a nonexempt employee who works through lunch without permission. Even if you have explicitly told your employee to take a break, and even if the employee clocked out, if they continued to work during their break, the employee must be paid.

Is lunch time considered work time?

Lunch or meal breaks are not considered to be work time by the DOL and are not compensable, unless at the employer’s discretion or unless required by state law. Nonexempt employees are most often assigned lunchtimes because of the nature of their work, often assembly, customer-facing jobs, and manufacturing.

Can you require an exempt employee to take lunch?

You can require an exempt employee to take lunch at a certain time. While you should give most exempt employees general control over how they schedule their day, you can require that they take a lunch break at a certain time.

How many hours of lunch do you have to work?

Unless work allows for frequent breaks throughout the day, excluding emergency cases, a half an hour for lunch is required after six consecutive work hours. A collective agreement may change this policy.

How many hours of work do you have to work to get a half hour lunch?

Unless employers allows employee to eat while working (which must be possible), a half an hour lunch is required after five consecutive work hours.

How much lunch is required for each eight hour shift?

For each eight-hour shift, a half an hour for lunch is required, unless a collective bargaining agreement covers the employee. The Labor commissioner may exempt employees under specific and case by case circumstances.

How many hours of work do you have to take a lunch break in Delaware?

Delaware. If employees work for consecutively for seven and half hours or more, a half an hour lunch break is require after the first and before the last two hours of work. Employers who violate this can be charged up to $1,000 in penalties. Exemptions can be granted when compliance may risk public safety.

How long is a meal period?

A meal period after six hours of work is permissible if it does not affect the health of an employee. If an employee works for over 10 hours a day, a second meal period must be provided unless the total hours worked is 12 hours, then the second meal can be waved with employee's consent. Upon agreement with the employee, which can be revoked at any time, on duty meals apply for jobs with natures that prevent relief from duty.

How many hours of rest do you have to give an employee?

An employer must grant 20 minutes of rest for employees who have work six consecutive hours or more. Employees who cannot afford breaks may eat while working. In addition to the listed provisions, some employers allow one-hour lunch breaks or additional rest periods.

When is a half hour lunch break required?

If employees work for consecutively for seven and half hours or more, a half an hour lunch break is require after the first and before the last two hours of work. Employers who provide a half an hour of paid rest within each seven and a half hours of work are exempt. These requirements do not impair the 7/1/90 collective bargaining agreement.

How many hours do you have to work to get a lunch break?

Several states require employers to provide a meal (lunch) break of at least 30 minutes for employees who work more than 5 or 6 hours at a time. A few states require employers to provide a second 30-minute (minimum) lunch break for employees that work more than 10 hours in a work day. The second lunch break can be waived by mutual consent ...

What is a true lunch break?

A true lunch break is when the employee is completely relieved from all work duty for the purpose of eating regular meals. The employee is not relieved if he/she is required to perform any duties, whether active or inactive, while eating. State Laws:

How long do you have to work to get a break?

More than half of the states require a minimum of 30 minutes for a meal (lunch) break for employees that work more than 5-6 hours a day. Some states have an exception if the workday will ...

How long is a rest period for agricultural workers in Washington State?

7. Washington State. Although agricultural labor is excluded from the listed requirement of general application, a separate regulation requires a paid 10-minute rest period in each 4-hour period of agricultural employment.

Can an employer pay for meal period premiums?

No, the employer would not be liable for meal period premium pay where there is bona fide relief from duty and relinquishment of employer control (and no discouragement or coercion from the employer against taking the meal period). However, in this circumstance, an employer that knows or has reason to know an employee is performing work during the meal period owes compensation to the employee for the time worked (including any overtime hours that have accrued as a result of working through the meal period). See Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court (2012) 53 Cal.4th 1004. [Learn More]

Do you have to take a lunch break before returning to work?

Employees are required to follow their employer's company policy for not completing a full lunch break. Some employers do not want their employees to return to work before completing their full break period. Q. My employer is not allowing me to take a meal period.

Do you have to take a lunch break in California?

Exempt employees are not required to take a lunch break or get rest breaks under california law. Employers may require salary employees to clock in and out to record hours worked. Federal Labor Law. Lunch and Rest Breaks.

How long does an employee have to work to waive lunch?

To officially waive a lunch break, both the employer and employee must agree, ideally, in writing. Once an employee works for five hours or more, they take a 30-minute unpaid meal break. The official waiver only applies if the employee’s work day is six hours or less.

How many hours does a California employee have to take a break?

Between five and ten hours, they break for 30 uninterrupted minutes as a meal break. With more than ten hours, up to fifteen hours, employees break twice for 30 minutes each time.

How many breaks can you take in California?

From 15 to 20 hours employees break three times, and beyond 20 hours California law requires four 30-minute meal breaks. The employee can waive the second meal break the during longer work days.

How many hours of breaks do you get if you deny a meal?

If employers deny meal or rest breaks the employee could receive up to two hours of their regular wage for every day of breaks in compensation. Many misconceptions exist about employer’s obligations toward meal and rest breaks. The critical element is that, by law, employees receive mandatory break opportunities.

How many breaks does California require?

• After three and a half hours in the day, the employee gets one 10-minute rest break. • Beyond six hours, the employee gets a second 10-minute rest break.

Can you waive a second meal break?

The employee can waive the second meal break the during longer work days. The total work for the day must be no more than 12 hours and the employee cannot waive the first meal break. Meal breaks and rest breaks are separate, never combined with each other.

Do employees get mandatory breaks in California?

The critical element is that, by law, employees receive mandatory break opportunities. Employees can then choose how to spend their lunch times. If your employer is not respecting your right to meal breaks based on California laws, a Los Angeles employment law attorney can help.

How many hours do you have to work to get a lunch break in California?

Under Labor Code 512, non-exempt employees who work more than 5 hours per day must receive a minimum meal break of 30 minutes.

How many hours can you work in California to get a meal break?

However, if the employee is working no more than six (6) hours in a day, the employee may waive their meal break. 2.

What is the meal period in labor code 512?

Labor Code 512 LC — Meal periods; requirements; order permitting meal period after six hours of work; exceptions; remedies under collective bargaining agreement. (“ (a) An employer may not employ an employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total work period per day of the employee is no more than six hours, the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of both the employer and employee. An employer may not employ an employee for a work period of more than 10 hours per day without providing the employee with a second meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total hours worked is no more than 12 hours, the second meal period may be waived by mutual consent of the employer and the employee only if the first meal period was not waived.”)

How many hours do you have to work to get a break?

Under Labor Code 512, non-exempt employees who work more than 5 hours per day must receive a minimum meal break of 30 minutes. If the employee works for more than 10 hours per day, the ... Why You Need Your Own Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alameda County, California. California wage and hour law requires employers to provide lunch or meal breaks ...

What did Gerrard's employer owe him for his lunch breaks?

If Gerrard is successful in his lawsuit, Gerrard’s employer would owe Gerrard damages of 52 hours at his regular salary--one hour for each of the 52 lunch breaks Gerrard was denied. Call us for help….

What is a non-exempt employee in California?

Non-exempt employees are entitled to a meal break under California labor laws. This includes “persons employed in professional, technical, clerical, mechanical, and similar occupations whether paid on a time, piece rate, commission, or other basis.” 4.

How many hours of break per day for non-exempt employees?

Under Labor Code 512, non-exempt employees who work more than 5 hours per day must receive a minimum meal break of 30 minutes. If the employee works for more than 10 hours per day, the employee must be provided a second meal break of at least 30 minutes. 1. 1.

How many hours of sleep can you take off your work hours?

If an employee is on duty more than 24 hours, a sleeping period of no more than eight hours may be deducted from work hours. However, this can only be done if sleeping quarters are provided and at least five hours of uninterrupted sleep may be achieved by the employee.

How many hours of sleep is considered working?

When it comes to sleeping time, an employee required to be on duty less than 24 hours is considered to be “working” even if he or she is permitted to sleep during some of those hours when not busy. If an employee is on duty more than 24 hours, a sleeping period of no more than eight hours may be deducted from work hours. However, this can only be done if sleeping quarters are provided and at least five hours of uninterrupted sleep may be achieved by the employee.

How long is a meal break?

Genuine “meal periods” are usually 30 minutes or more, and do not need to be compensated as work time. For this to be the case, however, the worker must be completely relieved of his or her duties during the meal break.

Is waiting time considered work time?

Federal law also contains other provisions related to employee pay during times of waiting, sleeping and traveling. Whether or not waiting time needs to be considered paid work hours depends on the situation. If an employee is allowed to do something of his or her choosing while waiting for another task to be finished or while waiting at the workplace for his or her services to be called upon, it is generally considered work time. On the other hand, if an employee is waiting to be called upon, but has great freedom to do what he or she wishes while on call (and has plenty of time to respond to the call), it is not generally considered paid work time.

Do you have to pay for lunch in Pennsylvania?

Although Pennsylvania does not have a lunch and break law for those persons 18 and over, there are applicable federal rules for Pennsylvania residents. While Federal Law does not mandate specific breaks or meal periods, it does give guidance as to whether or not an employee should be paid during these times. Short breaks are usually 20 minutes or less, and should be counted as hours worked. Genuine “meal periods” are usually 30 minutes or more, and do not need to be compensated as work time. For this to be the case, however, the worker must be completely relieved of his or her duties during the meal break. If the employee is still required to do any duties (even minor duties such as answering a phone), it can’t be considered a meal or lunch period and must be paid.

How many hours can you work without a meal?

No employee shall be required to work more than five consecutive hours without a meal period.

How many hours can an employer not work without a second meal?

An employer may not employ an employee for a work period of more than 10 hours per day without providing the employee with a second meal period, except that if the total hours worked is no more than 12 hours, the second meal period may be waived if the first meal period was not waived.

What is a meal period?

Applicable to every employer. Meal period is required where employees are not afforded necessary breaks and/or permitted to eat lunch while working.

How many hours of rest is required for a state employee?

Statute. Excludes certain professional employees certified by the State Board of Education, and any employer who provides 30 or more total minutes of paid rest or meal periods within each 7½ hour work period.

How many hours is counted as worktime?

Additional ½ hour, before or during overtime, for employees working 3 or more hours beyond regular workday. No employee shall be required to work more than five consecutive hours without a meal period.

How long is a meal in Puerto Rico?

By written agreement of the employer/employee, meal period may be shortened to not less than 30 minutes, and to not less than 20 minutes for croupiers, nurses, security guards, and anyone else authorized by the Puerto Rico Secretary of Labor.

How many hours does a hotel room attendant work?

Each hotel room attendant -- those persons who clean or put guest rooms in order in a hotel or other establishment licensed for transient occupancy -- shall receive one 30-minute meal period in each workday in which they work at least seven hours.

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1.Minimum Length of Meal Period Required under State …

Url:https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks

3 hours ago  · How many hours you have to work to get a lunch break will depend on the state. Federal law does not require lunch or meal breaks. Many states, including California, require lunch breaks after 5 hours of work. Other states, such as New York, require one after 6 hours. Some others, such as Arkansas, do not require lunch breaks.

2.Lunch Break Laws By State - Paycor

Url:https://www.paycor.com/resource-center/articles/lunch-break-laws-by-state/

25 hours ago  · At least 20 minutes, no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period, to employees who work 7 ½ continuous hours or more. Each hotel room attendant -- those persons who clean or put guest rooms in order in a hotel or other establishment licensed for transient occupancy -- shall receive one 30-minute meal period in each workday in which they work at …

3.How long of a lunch break do I take if I work 7 hours in …

Url:https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/how-long-of-a-lunch-break-do-i-take-if-i-work-7-ho-3535480.html

34 hours ago  · 1 attorney answer. The length of your meal period doesn't change based on hours worked. So, you get a 30 minute meal period for every five hours worked. If you work 5 or more hours, you get one 30 minute meal period. If you work 10 hours, you get two 30 minute meal periods, and if you work 15 hours you get three 30 minute meal periods.

4.Breaks and Lunch Requirements at Work - The Balance …

Url:https://www.thebalancecareers.com/breaks-and-lunch-requirements-1918071

24 hours ago  · Yes, an employer has to pay a nonexempt employee who works through lunch without permission. Even if you have explicitly told your employee to take a break, and even if the employee clocked out, if they continued to work during their break, the employee must be paid.

5.Employee Lunch Break Laws | OSHA Education Center

Url:https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/articles/employee-lunch-breaks/

4 hours ago  · If employees work for consecutively for seven and half hours or more, a half an hour lunch break is require after the first and before the last two hours of work. Employers who provide a half an hour of paid rest within each seven and a half hours of work are exempt. These requirements do not impair the 7/1/90 collective bargaining agreement.

6.Lunch Break Labor Law Information - Shift2Work

Url:https://www.shift2work.com/LunchBreak

23 hours ago 23 rows · According to the federal labor law, employers are not required to provide a lunch break. However, ...

7.Can I Work Without Taking a Lunch Break in California?

Url:https://www.caemployeelawyer.com/can-i-work-without-taking-a-lunch-break-in-california/

36 hours ago Now, employers simply provide the opportunity for employees to take the breaks. It becomes the responsibility of the employees to stop working for their own break times. The law has not changed. To officially waive a lunch break, both the employer and employee must agree, ideally, in writing. Once an employee works for five hours or more, they take a 30-minute unpaid meal …

8.Lunch & Meal Break Laws in California - A Guide to The …

Url:https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/labor/wage-and-hour/meal-and-rest-breaks/lunch-breaks/

7 hours ago Electrical, gas, or public utility companies 7; 3. Is my lunch break paid or unpaid? In general, your employer is not required to pay you for your lunch break. An employer is required to provide a lunch break if the employee is working for 5 or more hours in a shift but the employer does not have to pay the employee for the break time. Some employers may provide a paid lunch break …

9.Lunch and Break Law Regulations in Pennsylvania (PA)

Url:https://www.laborlawcenter.com/education-center/pennsylvania-lunch-and-break-law/

28 hours ago  · A final issue I sometimes find comes up in the area of work hours is the issue of travel time. The general rule of thumb is that time spent in the normal day’s commute to and from work is not considered paid working time. However, if an employee is traveling in the course of a days work, it must be considered paid work time.

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