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Employee breaks are often an issue of concern to employees, and employers. The question above, related to employee breaks and Iowa law, was asked by a recipient of our weekly newsletter, so we wanted to share the answers with all of you….

Each state has it’s laws related to the issue. In Iowa, there are no laws mandating employee breaks for adults. As oddly as it sounds, In Iowa and many other states, an employee can be forced to work from dawn to dusk, without a single break. If an employer does offer employee breaks, they are not required by law to pay an employee, for the time they are are completely relieved of job duties. If an employee is responsible for any work function, Iowa law requires that an employee must be paid.  i.e. covering phones, etc.  An employer can require and employee to stay on the business premises during a break.

Only the following breaks are required by law:

1. Minors younger than 16 must be given a 30 minute break if they are employed five hours or more each day.

2. All employees must be allowed toilet breaks when needed.

3. Workers covered by union contract who receive contract-promised breaks

4. Professional drivers, based on the license they hold, fall under special regulations. Those regulations are detailed by, and available from, each state’s Department of Transportation.

5. Certain other limited categories of workers, such as airline pilots, may be entitled to mandatory breaks under applicable regulations. Check with the appropriate regulatory agency for such regulations.

For more information on Iowa Laws click on http://www.iowaworkforce.org/labor/wagefaqs.pdf

 

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5 Responses to “Ask WorkSource: What kind of breaks are required under Iowa law?”

  1. Hipolito M. Wiseman

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    Reply
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