Assembly Considers Mandatory Employee Meal And Break Periods

On May 12, a bill (A2629) was introduced that would modify the State Wage and Hour Law to require employers to provide an unpaid meal period of at least 30 minutes to all employees who work for more than six hours continuously, and at least a 15 minute paid rest break to employees who work for more than four hours continuously.  If passed, this bill would represent a significant change in New Jersey law, which currently provides only for an unpaid 30 minute meal period to minors who work five or more hours continuously, and does not require any rest period for minors or adults.
The Supreme Court held that the company set in motion the chain of events when it changed Utley’s shift and altered his working conditions, which led to his inability to work. Thus, the Court determined that Utley resigned “for good cause attributable to the work” and was entitled to unemployment benefits.

Note: This article was published in the June 2008 issue of the New Jersey eAuthority.