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Idaho labor laws regarding breaks

On Behalf of | May 8, 2023 | Employment Law

As an Idaho resident, it’s important to understand your rights as a worker and what your employer is legally obligated to provide for you. When you understand your rights, including those around breaks, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect at work.

Taking periodic breaks can be crucial to functioning in certain jobs, especially those involving intense concentration or physical exertion. As a result, many employers offer some form of breaks for employees. But that doesn’t mean that employment law mandates that employers offer breaks.

Idaho law does not mandate breaks

Each state has different labor laws, but in Idaho it’s not required that an employer provide breaks for their employees. This is even true for meal breaks, so shifts that stretch over generally accepted meal times are not an exception.

Any breaks you receive would be subject to the employment contract you signed with your employer when taking the job. So, you may be entitled to breaks, but only if your employer stipulated that in the written contract. Also, note that your employer has no obligation to pay you for your time taking allowable breaks.

Is it possible to get breaks if they’re not currently offered?

Negotiating with your employer to receive breaks might be possible if they currently don’t provide one. This is especially true if you have a condition or medical reason requiring a break.

If you’re a member of a union, your union contract with your employer may mandate certain breaks or other privileges. Consult your union contact or leadership to check on this.

Idaho employment law does not mandate that employers give their employees breaks. Breaks may be specified within either an employment contract or a union contract, or may be required as a disability accommodation.