New York Meal Breaks Question

Lundin

New York law states that any shift that stretches over the "noonday meal period" (defined as 11:00 - 2:00) requires a 30 minute meal period. Do you know if the meal period must be taken during this 3-hour stretch? Or can it, for example, be taken at 2:30? Thanks!

Jen Carsen

Thanks very much for your question. In New York, every person employed in connection with a factory must be provided with a 60-minute break for a midday meal between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Other workers who work at least 6 hours must get 30 minutes off between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the midday meal (NY Labor Law Sec. 162).