GLASS Report: Legislative Action Alert: House Bill 2388: Regular Session 2013-2014

Text [History] [Votes]

Short Title: An Act providing for meal or rest periods for employees; and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry.

Prime Sponsor: Representative CRUZ

Last Action: Referred to LABOR AND INDUSTRY, June 25, 2014 [House]

Memo: Requiring a meal and rest period for all Pennsylvania employees

Printer's No.:
3850*

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	June 5, 2014 03:56 PM
From:	Representative Angel Cruz
To:	All House members
Subject:	Requiring a meal and rest period for all Pennsylvania employees

In the near future, I will introduce legislation that would require 30-minute meal breaks for Pennsylvania workers. You may be surprised to learn that the Commonwealth does not currently have such a requirement, except those pertaining to minors and seasonal farmworkers. Employers of minors ages 14 to 17 and seasonal farmworkers are required to give employees a meal or rest period of at least 30 minutes if they have worked five or more hours continuously. Otherwise, Pennsylvania employers have no obligation to provide neither meal nor rest breaks. Additionally, and equally astounding, there are no Federal labor or employment laws that require employers to set specific intervals or even make time for employees to take breaks or eat meals. Working continuously for long hours without having an opportunity to eat could be a safety issue in many work places, and would undoubtedly reduce the productivity and efficiency of an employee. Twenty states, including neighboring Delaware, New York and West Virginia, have meal break laws. My legislation would add Pennsylvania to this list and ensure that all workers in the state are nourished, alert and up to the job. Specifically, my bill would require a meal or rest period during which employees would be relieved of all work duties, unless the nature of the job required an on-duty meal or rest break. In such cases, a written agreement would be necessary to ensure that employees understand this condition of their employment. The 30-minute break would be required after working five continuous hours, but would not apply to employees who work a six hour day or less.  My legislation would also require employers to compensate employees for missed breaks. Pennsylvania is home to numerous hardworking men and women who strengthen our economy and whose contributions make our Commonwealth function. Please join me in ensuring that our workers are treated fairly by co-sponsoring this legislation. Thank you in advance for your consideration. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my Harrisburg office at 717-705-1925.