Labor Law - Breaks & Meals Washington

Washington State Paid Rest Period Law

Summary

Employers must provide a paid 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of working time.

Rights & Rules

01.
Right to a paid rest period of not less than 10 minutes for each 4 hours of working time.
02.
Rest periods should be scheduled as near the midpoint of the work period as practicable.

Penalties

01.
Employees can recover unpaid wages if a required paid rest period was denied.
02.
Potential for additional damages, interest, and attorney's fees in successful claims.

Verified Citations

WAC 296-126-092: Meal periods - Rest periods. (2)

"(2) Employees shall be allowed a rest period of not less than 10 minutes, on the employer's time, for each four hours of working time. Rest periods shall be scheduled as near the midpoint of the work period as practicable."

Washington L&I: Breaks and Meals

"Employees must be allowed a rest period of not less than 10 minutes, on the employer's time, for each four hours of working time."