Question: Based on the state regulations for breaks & lunchs, when you are taking your 30 minute lunch with no pay, can your emoployeer require you to attend a company meeting on your schedule lunch break with no pay?
Answer: In Arizona there are no laws or regulations covering breaks and lunch hours either for adults or children of a certain age. There are federal labor laws that cover breaks.
The Code of Federal Regulations addresses this as a "Bona fide meal periods." (29 CFR 785.19) . Meal periods are not worktime. The employee must be completely free from duty to eat regular meals. While 30 minutes is usually long enough, a shorter time may be OK under special conditions. An employee must not be required to perform any duties while eating during meal times.
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