Workers face new rules limiting lunch breaks and snacks
15 posts across 7 communities in the last 90 days; 53% from r/antiwork.
“For context, I used to work at a Big Four firm, and we’d eat hours in the sustainability practice all the time with basically zero repercussions because no one cared that much. I’ve since moved to a mid-sized firm, where people also eat time constantly. From what I’ve heard…”
“Why can't they ever make a rule that benefits workers? When I first started at my job in which I am on my feet all day running back and forth, we had many 15 minute lunch breaks. Then they made a rule a few years later that we only get a few 10 minute breaks a day. Then they…”
“At the factory I work at, we usually work 7 to 5, with an hour and a half of lunchbreak. Almost 9 hours of work total excluding lunchbreak. Sometimes they decide to throw a company bbq, and change our schedule to make up for it. This time, they want us to get in at 5am, work 8…”
Multiple posts express frustration over employers implementing restrictive workplace policies, specifically regarding limited break times and restrictions on bringing food/drinks. This highlights a perceived imbalance of power between management and employees.
SOURCES (17)
“At the factory I work at, we usually work 7 to 5, with an hour and a half of lunchbreak. Almost 9 hours of work total excluding lunchbreak. Sometimes they decide to throw a company bbq, and change our schedule to make up for it.…”
“I usually don’t take my lunch break because I’m too busy and I’m overworked and there’s not enough staff so I barely take lunch. If I do take lunch, I go to my car I take a nap or I go to my car and I listen to music where I take a little walk around the neighborhood. [re: How do you spend your lunch break?]”
“Hello, I have a question about workers rights regarding lunch breaks in Oregon. I work ten hour shifts in a market/deli. We have 4 breaks; 3 tens and a 15. I was wondering the legality of that. I know that in a few situations that employers can be excempt from giving 30 minute lunch breaks. The only one I can think that may apply is the "undue hardship" clause. After 3 to 4 o'clock the pm crew is only two people til close. However, the morning folks don't get lunch breaks eithe”
“Hello, I have a question about workers rights regarding lunch breaks in Oregon. I work ten hour shifts in a market/deli. We have 4 breaks; 3 tens and a 15. I was wondering the legality of that. I know that in a few situations that employers can be excempt from giving 30 minute lunch breaks. The only one I can think that may apply is the "undue hardship" clause. After 3 to 4 o'clock the pm crew is only two people til close. However, the morning folks don't get lunch breaks eithe”
“8 to 5, 30 min unpaid lunch break and no breaks. so that's 8:30 hours. of course i'm salary so it really doesn't matter but it's more the principle of them stealing 30 minutes. nevermind my fully remote position was changed to hybrid, 2 onsite 3 remote, on day one and then on week 2 it was changed to 2 remote and 3 onsite. Love how they change everything after you take the job. I think I'm changing my pay, as soon as I find a new job during my unpaid 30 minutes. submitt”
“For context, I used to work at a Big Four firm, and we’d eat hours in the sustainability practice all the time with basically zero repercussions because no one cared that much. I’ve since moved to a mid-sized firm, where people also eat time constantly. From what I’ve heard, it’s less of an issue with large audit clients because they don’t care as much. On top of that, my engagement manager doesn’t think any time should be allocated to coaching because, in his opinion, the seniors suck, even tho”
“Some of y’all get lunch break? Then who answers all the call lights? Who talks to the doctors that charge into the break rooms? Who talks to the family? Yeah. My entire job violates labor laws.”
“I feel like the 1 hour lunch BREAK is no longer an actual break, but a test by management to see how you spend your time. I recently saw an instance where someone got fired the day after they got “busted” playing a game on their personal computer during their lunch break. They were rattled on by someone they didn’t even work with. Are we serious right now? People used to be able to go to their cars, sleep or eat out somewhere during that time. Now, the only time the break is taken seriously is w”
“Yeah, I always take my actual lunch break the hour before or hour after any "Lunch & Learn" and just treat it like any other meeting. Nobody eats during them anyway.”
“While I never left the building during lunch, I’d still be pissed if someone told me where in was allowed to go during MY lunch break. Are you in a union?”
“They don't have to have time to lunch if they leave the building!! Brisk walk. Take or make a phone call. 15 minute power nap.”
“We don't have that restriction. If they tried, there'd be an absolute rebellion. That being said, we only have thirty minutes so there's not many places you can go and get back in time. We do not have an unpaid lunch like some of the people here responding do. We have a 7.5 hour workday that is inclusive of a duty free 30 minute lunch period. If you also have a paid lunch like I do, then your employer can definitely require you to stay on site.”
“Why can't they ever make a rule that benefits workers? When I first started at my job in which I am on my feet all day running back and forth, we had many 15 minute lunch breaks. Then they made a rule a few years later that we only get a few 10 minute breaks a day. Then they made a rule that no snacks are allowed while working and threatened to take away drinks also even though we are having heat waves and it can get over 100 degrees at our work which has no air conditioning. They treat us l”