Washington Meal and Rest Break Laws

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) doesn’t require employers to provide breaks during the workday. However, Washington has its own laws in place around meal and rest breaks.

Do Washington Break Laws Differ from Federal Break Laws?

Yes, Washington has laws in place for meal and rest breaks that apply to most employers.

Washington Meal Break Laws

Washington requires employees who work 5 hours to get at least a 30-minute break. Employers must provide the break no earlier than 2 hours and no later than 5 hours after the start of a shift.

Another 30-minute meal break must be provided before an overtime shift that is 3 hours longer than the normal workday.

Meal breaks may be unpaid as long as the employee is completely relieved of all work duties. If the employee is required to remain on the work premises or at a prescribed place, then the meal break must be paid.

Washington Rest Breaks

Washington employers must provide employees with a rest break that is 10 minutes long for every 4 hours worked. If possible, the break should be in the middle of the shift.

An employer cannot require an employee to work more than 3 consecutive hours without a rest break. When the nature of the work allows employees to get a 10-minute break for every 4 hours of work, then the employer is not required to schedule rest breaks.

If an employee works through their rest breaks, then the missed, entitled break time can push workers hours into overtime pay.

Washington Break Laws for Minors

Employees who are 14 and 15 years old can go no longer than 4 hours without being given a meal period of at least 30 minutes.

Employees who are 16 and 17 years old cannot be required to work more than 5 hours without a meal break of at least 30 minutes. This break must also start between the 2nd and the 5th hours of the shift.

minors must be provided with additional hours. Employees who are 14 or 15 years old must be given a 10-minute rest break for every 2 hours of work. Employers must give 16- and 17-year-olds a 10-minute break for every 3 hours of work.

Washington Break Laws for Mothers

The Providing Urgent Material Protections (PUMP) Act, passed in 2022, requires all employers with 15+ employees to provide reasonable time and accommodations to breastfeeding employees. The protections remain in place up to one year after a child’s birth and include time to get to and from the private pumping space (which cannot be a restroom), as well as set up, express breast milk, and clean up.

Washington Day of Rest Laws

The state does not impose a limit on how many consecutive days an employee may work. However, any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek must be paid at the overtime rate (when applicable).

Washington Break Room Requirements

Some unions operating in the state of Washington may have break room requirements, but there is no law in place that applies to all employers.

Washington Penalties for Breaking Rest and Break Laws

Employers who do not comply with meal and rest break laws may face a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for every violation. In instances where They may also be held responsible for compensating any unpaid wages.

This fine can be even higher if the employer has a history of similar offenses. The exact penalty amount is at the discretion of the Labor and Industries program director. It depends on factors such as the employer’s record of previous violations and other relevant circumstances.

Common Washington Break Law FAQs

How early can I take my lunch break in Washington?

If your shift lasts at least 5 hours, you must take your lunch break no earlier than 2 hours and no later than 5 hours after it starts.

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

An employee should receive one 10-minute rest break and one 30-minute meal break during a 6-hour shift.

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

An employee should receive two 10-minute rest breaks and one 30-minute meal break during an 8-hour shift.

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

An employee should receive three 10-minute rest breaks and one 30-minute lunch break during a 12-hour shift. If the shift is 3 hours longer than the employee’s normal workday, an additional 30-minute meal break should be provided.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Washington?

There is no state law that prohibits employees from working 7 consecutive days. However, Washington employers must pay overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek (where applicable).

Can I waive my lunch break in Washington?

You may be able to waive your lunch break. The Washington Supreme Court ruled that an employer is not automatically liable if an employee misses a meal break because an employee can waive the break.

Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I)