Vermont Meal and Rest Break Laws

Federal employment law known as The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require employers to provide meal and rest breaks; some states have additional employment laws, including Vermont.

Do Vermont Break Laws Differ From Federal Break Laws?

Federal law does not require meal or other breaks, but when an employer does provide a break of 5 to 20 minutes (such as to use the restroom), FLSA considers that paid time. Vermont state law also does not require breaks of a certain length or frequency.

Vermont Meal Break Laws

According to Vermont state law, workers are entitled to “reasonable opportunities” during a shift to eat and use the restroom “in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee.” Timing, duration, and frequency at the discretion of the employer.

Vermont Break Laws for Minors

Though Vermont state law restricts minors from working in certain industries and has rules for the number of hours worked, there are no break laws specifically for minors.

Vermont Break Laws for Mothers

Vermont state law provides accommodations for nursing mothers for up to 3 years after a child’s birth. Employers must provide reasonable time during a shift for mothers to pump breast milk in a private space other than a restroom. Whether the time is paid or unpaid is at the discretion of the employer unless 1) the worker is not completely relieved of duty, in which case FLSA says it must be compensated and 2) the worker is not part of a collective bargaining agreement. Businesses who can prove these accommodations create a severe disruption to operations may be exempt.

Vermont Day of Rest Laws

There is no Vermont state law mandating a day of rest in a work week; FLSA requires time-and-a-half pay for every hour worked over 40 in a week.

Vermont Break Room Requirements

Employers are not required to provide a designated break room according to Vermont state law.

Vermont Penalties for Breaking Rest and Break Laws

Employers who do not give employees “reasonable opportunities” for breaks or who deny nursing mothers accommodations may be subject to a civil penalty of $100 per infraction. Nursing mothers who experience retaliation or discrimination may also file a civil action through the Vermont Judicial Bureau, the penalties of which may include compensation for lost wages, attorney fees, or other associated costs.

Common Vermont Break Law FAQs

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

Vermont law does not mandate a certain number of breaks in a 6-hour shift, but employers must provide “reasonable opportunities” for eating and using the restroom.

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

Vermont law does not mandate a certain number of breaks in an 8-hour shift, but employers must provide “reasonable opportunities” for eating and using the restroom.

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

Vermont law does not mandate a certain number of breaks in a 12-hour shift, but employers must provide “reasonable opportunities” for eating and using the restroom.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Vermont?

It is legal to work 7 days straight in Vermont.

Can I waive my lunch break in Vermont?

Waiving your lunch break, if one is offered, is at the discretion of your employer.

Vermont Department of Labor