Washington, D.C. Meal and Rest Break Laws

he Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) mandates workers have minimal breaks during work. Unlike the 50 states who may make additional break laws, Washington, D.C. generally follows FLSA as its law.

Do Washington, D.C. Break Laws Differ From Federal Break Laws?

Employees in Washington, D.C., are entitled to breaks as outlined in FLSA, which states that employers are not required to offer a paid or unpaid meal break. If workers are provided with short breaks of 5 to 20 minutes for using the restroom, etc. those are considered work time and must be compensated.

Washington, D.C. Meal Break Laws

There are no distinct meal break laws in Washington, D.C. Federal law is the standard.

Washington, D.C. Break Laws for Minors

There are no laws governing meal breaks for minors in Washington, D.C. There are, however, strict guidelines about the number of hours and times of day that minors may work.

Washington, D.C. Break Laws for Mothers

For nursing mothers, Washington, D.C. follows federal law, which mandates that, in most industries, mothers may take reasonable paid breaks as many times as needed throughout the work day for the purposes of pumping breast milk. Employers must provide a private space with a door that closes (excluding a bathroom stall) for pumping for up to a year after the child is born. Federal law does permit employers of less than 50 permanent employees to submit a case that meeting the requirements causes undue hardship. Each case is determined individually.

Washington, D.C. Day of Rest Laws

According to The Council of the District of Columbia, the legislative branch for D.C., a workweek is defined as 40 hours worked 6 days in 7 except: in certain industries, where a collective bargaining agreement is in place, or the Mayor of D.C. determines that an organization may be handicapped in its function. 

Overtime pay follows FLSA, which entitles workers to time-and-a-half for every hour worked over 40.

Washington, D.C. Break Room Requirements

There are no laws in Washington, D.C. requiring employers to provide a dedicated break room.

Washington, D.C. Penalties for Breaking Rest and Break Laws

FLSA does not dictate penalties for violations for days of rest and breaks, as they are not part of the law. It dictates penalties for overtime law violations.

Common Washington, D.C. Break Law FAQs

How many breaks in a 6-hour shift in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. law does not mandate breaks in a 6-hour shift.

How many breaks in an 8-hour shift in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. law does not mandate breaks in an 8-hour shift.

How many breaks in a 12-hour shift in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. law does not mandate breaks in a 12-hour shift.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Washington, D.C.?

Except in certain industries and employers with certain provisions, it is not legal to work 7 days straight in Washington, D.C. The law says a workweek is defined as not more than 6 days out of 7. 

Can I waive my lunch break in Washington, D.C.?

As there is no law for breaks, the ability to waive is determined between you and your employer.

Washington, D.C. Labor & Workforce Development