Fema Employment

How does a worker ensure he gets a meal period and avoids retaliation from his/her employer for complaining?

I have worked for at least three employers over the past 6 years [California's Loeb & Loeb, SulmeyerKupetz, Charlston Revich & Chamberlin] who did not provide me meal periods. One worker I saw complain to government agencies and even file a lawsuit without a lawyer over 26 missed meal periods only to incur a $19,000 judgment against him for complaining. I myself was terminated from three jobs after complaining. Government agencies and courts most times appear to give approval to employers to deny meal periods and retaliate against those who complain. Most workers cannot afford a lawyer at $500 per hour. Quitting most times is not an option. How in a co called civilized nation do we stop this from happening, and why are so many workers being blatantly denied their meal periods?

Public Comments

1. I have a city job and we do not get any breaks whatsoever, i dont understand how they can do this , but im kind of scared to complain, I need the job.
2. I've been a nurse for almost 15 years and probably count on one hand the number of real meal breaks I have gotten in my career. It's just the reality of life. If you want to complain - then complain, but expect retaliation/ hostility from those around you.
3. That's a tough one. I think you now need to check into these things with your future employers before you sign up. When folks stop cooperating with logic or the law, you cannot always get resolution by reporting them, you often just make a mess for yourself and others. In my state, a shift less than 6 hours does not require a break. Could this be the case. I assume you are at least getting paid for all this time. In my line of work most folks would rather skip lunch or a eat a 1 minute snack while working in order to get home early or get more hours in. Many folks that work for themselves skip meals or have quick snacks for the same reason. Any breaks in my state are unpaid (unless the employer deems otherwise), FYI. Remember that employment is a 2 way street, the employer is not on top, though the media and your out of work financial obligations might make you feel this way. It is simply a trade of skilled labor for compensation. If you do not feel like this trade is worth it for you, you need to find another job. I would bet that the employee that incured the $19k was in the wrong and cost the company $19k to defend the suit and thus had to pay for it. His action likely cost all the other employees their pay raises for the year.