Lunch Breaks

Policy Statement

Break and meal periods are intended to give an employee a chance to renew attention and energy after working for an extensive period so that he or she can remain productive and efficient in performing assigned tasks.

Reason for Policy

This policy clarifies the time allotments and requirements for scheduling meals and breaks for non-exempt employees under the Fair Labor and Standards Act and New York State law.

Who Is Governed by this Policy

Staff and Student Employees

Policy

It is the policy of Adelphi University to comply with state and federal laws regarding meal and rest breaks during the course of each workday. An employee (full-time, part-time, hourly, and student) who works a shift of more than six (6) hours which includes the period of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., must take a minimum of one half hour (30 minutes) to a maximum of one hour (60 minutes) of an unpaid meal period. Such time is subtracted from the total number of hours worked each day and must be noted on the non-exempt employee’s and student’s timesheet or time card. Adelphi University non-union employees and Local 153 employees must take a minimum of a one hour (60 minutes) lunch break, unless written approval is received from the Office of Human Resources.

Employees are not authorized to skip lunch breaks.

Non-exempt employees who are scheduled to work a shift which begins before 11:00 a.m. and continues later than 7 p.m., must take and complete an additional unpaid meal period of at least 20 minutes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Non-exempt employees who work a shift of more than six (6) hours which begins between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., must take an unpaid meal period of at least 30 minutes at a time approximately mid-way between the beginning and end of the shift.Failure of an employee to return on time from lunch or rest breaks will subject the employee to disciplinary action and docking of pay for time missed.

Definitions

This policy does not have definitions associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Forms

This policy does not have forms associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Related Information

This policy does not have related information at this time. Upon periodic policy review this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Document History

• Last Reviewed Date: March 14, 2023
• Last Revised Date: September 13, 2018
• Policy Origination Date: Unknown

Who Approved This Policy

Policy Owner and Executive Leadership