Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

In Oct 2010 I informed my employer that he was not following US labor laws by denying me my required 30 min meal break every day I work over 6 hours..

Almost 4 monthes later I am still being denied my 30 min break. My employer has said to me that he is allowed to do that if he pays me for it. But I am not even given the option to even take my 30 min break.

Is this considered "good cause" if I want to quit and receive unemployment?

He has also taken money from my paycheck without my consent considering it "investment" in his company.


Asked on 2/07/11, 3:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Susan Beecher Susan L. Beecher, Atty at Law

For the issue of the 30 minute break, you should probably try to resolve the problem by reporting it to the department of Labor & Industries.

Legally, his helping himself to a portion of your paycheck as an "investment" in his company is a much bigger deal. You can report that to the Dept of Labor & Industries as well.

Chances are once you report these offenses, he is going to find an excuse to terminate you. This is not legal for him to do, but my guess is he will, anyway. Be prepared for that, and you may want to discuss your situation with an employment law attorney before you move forward. If he does terminate you for this, you will have a legal case against him, but these take time to pursue. For this reason, if you can possibly find another job first, do so and then report him.

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Answered on 2/08/11, 7:05 pm


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