Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers help workers in Seattle when their rights are violated and aren’t paid properly. No matter what your job is in Seattle, you’re probably given a lunch break. Some employers, however, cut corners–pressuring you to work through lunch or not giving you time to step away at all. That’s not just unfair, it may be against the law. We can help you stand up for your rights. Reach out today for a free consultation.
What Are the Lunch Break Rules for Seattle Workers?
In Seattle, most hourly employees have the right to take a real lunch break under Washington state law. It kicks in once you work more than five hours in a shift (which covers most hourly employees and positions.) At that point, your employer has to give you:
- A 30-minute, unpaid meal break
- That break must start between the second and fifth hour of your shift and it has to be completely free from work duties
While the legal requirement is met with these two benefits, there are certain situations where your employer has to pay you during your lunch break. This happens if:
- You’re required to stay on the clock or remain on duty
- You’re told to stay on the job site and be available
- You’re interrupted during your break and asked to return to work
If your employer isn’t giving you proper breaks–or is asking you to work through lunch without paying you–they could be breaking Washington labor laws. That gives you certain options.
What Options Do I Have If I’m Not Getting a Lunch Break?
Knowing the law is one thing, but it’s different when you’re the one that’s being denied a lunch break. It’s a situation that you never want to be in, but if you are, it’s all about taking action to hold your employer accountable. Here’s how you can do that:
- File an L&I Complaint – Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) investigates wage and break violations. If they find your employer broke the law, they can require them to pay back wages, penalties, and correct the issue moving forward.
- File a civil lawsuit – If your employer’s actions cost you serious income or if L&I doesn’t resolve the issue, you may be able to sue them in civil court. A lawsuit could help you recover “damages” like:
- Wages for missed breaks
- Back pay
- Financial support for emotional stress or distress
- Additional damages for the violations
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
- Class action lawsuit – If your coworkers are also being denied their lunch breaks, you may be able to join forces and file a class action lawsuit. This is just like a singular lawsuit, except one person represents the group against your employer and you all split the proceeds of a settlement or verdict.
Keep in mind: You generally have up to three years to file a claim in Washington. But the earlier you act, the easier it is to protect your rights and gather strong evidence.
What Can I Do to Strengthen My Claim For Missing Lunch Breaks?
Even when it’s clear your employer isn’t giving you proper breaks, you’ll still need to back up your claim with evidence. A few smart steps now can make all the difference later:
- Keep track of everything – Keep detailed notes on when you clock in and out, when you take breaks (or miss them), and whether you were working during that time. Save emails, schedules, and pay stubs.
- Talk to your coworkers – If others are dealing with the same issue, their input could support your case. It also might open the door to a larger, class-wide claim.
- Review your company’s policies – If the company handbook or policy manual contradicts state law, that’s strong evidence. Compare what’s on paper with what’s actually happening.
All of this can strengthen your case and protect your right to a real break on the job. And if your employer still refuses to respect the law, we’re ready to step in.
Contact Ferraro Vega If You’re Being Denied Lunch Breaks in Seattle
Sometimes it’s a misunderstanding. Sometimes it’s a pattern. Either way, if your employer won’t give you proper meal breaks–refuses to pay you for missed ones–you deserve answers and support. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we can:
- Help you understand your rights
- Investigate and collect the evidence you need
- Handle your case from start to finish
- Push for the wages and damages you’re owed
If you’re facing meal break violations in Seattle, you don’t have to take it on alone. Reach out for a free consultation–we’re here to help.