Commentary
Veterinary nurse, “So do I get paid for the hour I spent at the lunch-n-learn at the restaurant down the street?”
While this report may open a veritable can of worms, it may address some questions about how employees are paid for in-house breaks, off-site lunches and lunch-n-learns. At minimum, double-check employee handbooks to be sure there is clarity.
Report
The Fair Labor Standards Act does not require employers to provide rest breaks or meal periods, the U.S. Department of Labor noted. But if meal breaks are provided and interrupted by lengthy travel time or duties, meal breaks or portions of them may become compensable. Frequent interruptions can also make meal periods compensable, the department added.
Source: SHRM, September 11, 2026. Link. A recent DOL opinion letter clarifies when travel time to a break room is a noncompensable meal period under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Image: Link.
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