Oregon: Employers MUST Ensure Meal Periods are Taken
APPLIES TO All Employers with Oregon Employees |
EFFECTIVE November 14, 2019 |
QUESTIONS? Contact HR On-Call |
In Maza v. Waterford Operations, LLC, the Oregon Court of Appeal stated that it was not sufficient that an employer provide employees with the opportunity to take required meal breaks, but that meal premiums must be paid if an employee does not take the required minimum 30-minute break if working shifts longer than six hours, and a second meal break for shifts of 14 hours or more.
There, the employer’s meal break policy stated it was mandatory that employees took the required meal periods and did not permit waiver of a meal period. It also required employees to report if an employee was required to work off the clock. However, the court stated these were insufficient steps and that the employer was strictly liable for a missed or insufficient meal period, regardless of the reason.
Action Items
- Implement timekeeping procedures for meal periods to document meal periods taken.
- Have payroll administrators and managers trained on meal period requirements.
- Update payroll processes to ensure employees are paid the required premium for missed meal periods.
- Subscribers can call our HR On-Call Hotline at (888) 378-2456 for further assistance.
Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser.
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