St. Louis Meal & Rest Break Violation Lawyers

Let Our Firm Protect Your Rights & Best Interests

At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we understand how critical meal and rest breaks are to your well-being and productivity. Unfortunately, many workers in St. Louis and across Missouri are denied these rights, either through employer oversight or deliberate violations of labor laws. If you’ve been deprived of your lawful breaks, our experienced St. Louis meal and rest break attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice.

Contact us today at (314) 819-0963 to request an initial consultation.

When Are You Entitled to Meal Breaks in Missouri?

Missouri’s labor laws do not mandate meal breaks for most adult employees. However, federal guidelines under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and certain workplace agreements or policies may provide you with meal breaks. Typically, a meal break is an unpaid period, often lasting 30 minutes, during which you are relieved of all work duties. If your employer requires you to perform work tasks during this time, you must be compensated for that time.

Certain industries, such as healthcare, retail, and food service, may have specific policies or agreements that guarantee meal breaks. If your employer’s policy includes meal breaks, they are legally obligated to adhere to their stated rules.

When Are You Entitled to Rest Breaks in MO?

Like meal breaks, Missouri law does not require rest breaks for most employees. However, many employers voluntarily offer short rest breaks—typically lasting 10-15 minutes—as a way to maintain employee satisfaction and productivity. Under the FLSA, if rest breaks are provided, they must be paid as part of your work hours.

Certain employees, such as minors under the age of 16, have more specific protections under Missouri law, including mandatory rest breaks. If you’re a younger worker or work under a collective bargaining agreement, your employer may be required to provide rest breaks.

Can Your Employer Request You to Waive Your Breaks?

While employers can request that employees waive their meal or rest breaks, such requests are often problematic. Any agreement to waive breaks must be voluntary and should not result from coercion or undue pressure. Furthermore, if you are required to work through your break, you must be compensated for that time.

In many cases, employees feel obligated to skip breaks due to fear of retaliation or job insecurity. This type of pressure can be a violation of your workplace rights, particularly if it results in unpaid labor or creates unsafe working conditions.

What Happens If You Are Denied Taking Breaks?

Being denied meal or rest breaks can have serious consequences for your physical health, mental well-being, and workplace safety. Break violations can lead to:

• Increased stress and fatigue
• Decreased productivity and job performance
• Potential accidents or injuries due to exhaustion
• Financial losses due to unpaid work hours

If your employer has denied you the opportunity to take breaks or failed to compensate you for working through them, you may be entitled to recover lost wages and other damages. Documenting instances where you were denied breaks or forced to work during break periods is crucial for building a strong case.

How We Can Help

When your rights are violated, you need a legal team that is knowledgeable, compassionate, and determined to secure justice. At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we specialize in employment law, including cases involving meal and rest break violations in St. Louis and across Missouri.

Here’s how we can help:

• Case Evaluation: We’ll assess the specifics of your situation to determine whether your employer has violated labor laws or workplace policies.
• Evidence Collection: Our attorneys will gather the necessary documentation, such as time records, workplace policies, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
• Negotiation and Litigation: Whether through negotiation or courtroom advocacy, we will fight to secure compensation for unpaid wages, emotional distress, and other damages you may be entitled to.
• Ongoing Support: We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring that you understand your rights and legal options.

Your time and well-being matter. If you’ve been denied your rightful breaks, don’t wait to take action.

Call (314) 819-0963 or fill out our online contact form today to let us fight for you.