I am working overnights (11pm-7am) 5 days a week, and I work alone during this time. I have been told that I am required to clock out for a 30minute meal break each night, I was discussing this with my friend and she mentioned this isnt allowed under KY law because it is overnight and I am alone in the place of business. Is this true?
Slickterp
Not only allowed, legally required to give you that break. No law changes that for overnights or for being alone. The only thing that changes is if you are not actually relieved of all your work duties during the break. If you are still working, they must pay you.
Obi Wan Knievel
Yes it's true, your friend did say that. You said so yourself, remember?
Here's something you need to know: Your employer is expected and required to understand and obey all employment health & safety laws set forth by federal and state legislation, no exceptions granted and no excuses accepted. Ignorance of those laws is not a valid excuse in any courtroom.
How educated in the specifics of employment law is this friend of yours? What legal credentials does this friend hold? Just asking, no reason or anything.
There's your answer.
Little Princess
You can thank your state legislature for this one. Not only does Kentucky allow employers to do this, they require them to. The law requires a meal break and does not provide an exception for any particular shift. It only stipulates that it has to be sometime after the second hour and before the sixth hour.