Minneapolis Meal and Rest Violation Lawyer

Requiring employees to work an eight-hour day with no breaks is illegal. The law entitles you to meal and rest breaks during your workday. However, you might not know how much of a break you can take before your employer can order you to go back to work, or whether there are regulations concerning restroom breaks and emergencies.

State laws have changed to give employees a reasonable chance to take meal and rest breaks. If you’re not getting them, a Minneapolis meal and rest violation lawyer from our firm can help you file a claim with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and take legal action against your employer to recover any lost wages and penalties. Call our award-winning wage and hour attorneys today to discuss your situation and the case deadlines that may apply.

What Are the State’s Meal and Rest Laws?

According to the state’s updated meal and rest laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026:

• Employers must give all full-time employees a rest break of at least 15 minutes within each four-hour work period
• Rest breaks must be long enough for employees to use the nearest convenient restroom and return to work
• Employees working six or more consecutive hours must get a meal break that’s at least 30 minutes long
• Employers must pay employees for meal breaks that are less than 20 minutes long.

Minnesota Statutes 177.253 doesn’t prevent employees from negotiating a separate break system through a collective bargaining agreement. Employees may choose to work through breaks, but employers cannot require them to do so without compensation. Breaks can take place on company property, such as in a break room or elsewhere, and employers must allow employees to take breaks as scheduled. Our Minneapolis legal team can fight to hold your employer accountable for violating these meal and rest laws.

What Should You Do if Your Employer Denies Your Work Breaks?

State laws entitle some workers to additional breaks. Pregnant employees who request longer or more frequent restroom and meal breaks under the Women’s Economic Security Act must receive them. Employees who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request longer breaks as a reasonable accommodation.

If your Minneapolis employer has been denying your meal or rest breaks or requiring you to work through them without compensation, Wanta Thome Employment Lawyers can assist you. We can gather the necessary documentation and other evidence to begin a legal case against your employer before time runs out and the documentation is disposed of.

Our team has been recognized by multiple high-profile law publications, including Super Lawyers and Avvo. You will never be left in the dark, wondering how your case is being handled. Our attorneys collaborate to ensure nothing is missed, and we provide honest, client-centered legal advice to help you navigate the legal process with confidence. Finally, our team works on contingency, meaning you do not owe us fees until we recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you before time runs out.

Contact Our Minneapolis Attorneys if Your Employer Broke the Meal and Rest Laws

Proving that your employer has been cutting your break time may require a great deal of documentation. You don’t have to handle the paperwork yourself. A Minneapolis meal and rest violation lawyer at Wanta Thome can evaluate your claim and take immediate action to protect your rights.

Our team can help you file a claim with the Labor Department if necessary, make a personal claim, and ensure your case moves through the legal process as quickly as possible. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing until your case settles or wins at trial. Your initial consultation is free, so call us today to get started.