Tennessee Meal and Rest Break Laws

Although federal law does not mandate the provision of meal and rest breaks, some states have enacted different legislation. Learn more about the meal and rest break requirements in Tennessee.

Do Tennessee Break Laws Differ from Federal Break Laws?

Yes, there are unique laws in place regarding employee breaks in Tennessee that differ from federal law.

Tennessee Meal Break Laws

Employers in Tennessee must provide employees with at least a 30-minute meal break when the employee works 6 consecutive hours or more.

The only exception is when the workplace environment or the nature of the business provides ample opportunities to rest or take a break. The restriction on this rest break is that it may not be scheduled before the shift starts or during the first hour of the shift.

If a tipped employee and the employer agree, the rest period may be waived by mutual consent.

Tennessee Break Laws for Minors

The same requirement outlined for adult employees also applies to minors.

Tennessee Break Laws for Mothers

Employers must provide employees who need to express breast milk reasonable breaks. These breaks can be unpaid. Employers must provide the breaks unless it would unduly disrupt the operations of the employer. The break time must run concurrently with any other breaks provided by the employer.

In addition, employers must make a reasonable effort to provide a room, or other location, in close proximity to the work area where an employee can express milk in private. This location cannot be a toilet stall.

Tennessee Day of Rest Laws

No day of rest law is in place in Tennessee.

Tennessee Break Room Requirements

Employers are not required to provide a break room.

Tennessee Penalties for Breaking Rest and Break Laws

Violating the federal legislation regarding the provision of meal and rest breaks subjects an employer to criminal prosecution and a fine. Employees may also file legal suits against employers, subjecting them to paying back wages.

Common Tennessee Break Law FAQs

How early can I take my lunch break in Tennessee?

You must be able to take your 30-minute meal break during a 6-hour shift after the first hour and no later than the fifth hour.

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

One 30-minute meal break must be provided during a 6-hour shift.

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

One 30-minute meal break must be provided during an 8-hour shift.

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

One 30-minute meal break must be provided during a 12-hour shift.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, it is generally legal to work seven days straight, as the state does not have specific laws mandating a day of rest. Employers can require employees to work seven or more consecutive days without a day off. However, they must still comply with federal overtime laws, which require that employees be paid time-and-a-half for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

The general rule is that it is legal unless otherwise stated in a contract or covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Can I waive my lunch break Tennessee?

Employees in Tennessee may waive their lunch break voluntarily, and some exceptions are in place for specific types of work, such as when the nature of a job requires continuous work or involves emergencies.

Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development