Alaska Meal and Rest Break Laws

Providing meal and rest breaks is not required under federal law. However, laws in individual states may apply to employers.

Do Alaska Break Laws Differ from Federal Break Laws?

In Alaska, state-specific meal and rest break laws only apply to minor employees. Otherwise, state legislation defers to federal law.

Alaska Meal Break Laws

Adult employees (18 years of age and older) are not required to receive meal breaks in Alaska.

Alaska Break Laws for Minors

Meal break laws are only in effect for minors (employees who are 17 years of age or younger). An applicable employee must receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break during a shift lasting 5 consecutive hours. The break must be provided after the first 90 minutes of work but before the start of the last hour of work.

Alaska Break Laws for Mothers

Under the PUMP Act, lactating employees have access to workplace accommodations and protections to express breast milk. However, Alaska doesn’t have state-specific laws in place.

Alaska Day of Rest Laws

There is no day of rest law in place in Alaska.

Alaska Break Room Requirements

Alaska law does not mandate the provision of a break room.

Alaska Penalties for Breaking Rest and Break Laws

Employers who violate meal and rest break laws may face financial penalties imposed by the Department of Labor, as well as legal action taken by employees.

Common Alaska Break Law FAQs

How early can I take my lunch break in Alaska?

If you are a minor employee, you must receive a 30-minute meal break during a 5-hour shift after the first 90 minutes but before the start of the final hour.

How many breaks in a 6-hour shift in Alaska?

Only minor employees (14-17 years old) are required to receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break during a 6-hour shift.

How many breaks in an 8-hour shift in Alaska?

Only minor employees (14-17 years old) are required to receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break during an 8-hour shift.

How many breaks in a 12-hour shift in Alaska?

Only minor employees (14-17 years old) are required to receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break during a 12-hour shift.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Alaska?

Yes, employees in Alaska may work 7 days straight.

Can I waive my lunch break in Alaska?

Yes, an adult employee (age 18 or older) may be able to waive a meal break, depending on the employer policy. An employer isn’t required to provide a meal break. However, according to federal law, any break provided that lasts 20 minutes or less must be paid.

Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development