by Joan O.
Member since:
July 23, 2006

Venting about work

February 07, 2009 10:32 PM EST
views: 88 | comments: 20

There are not many jobs where I live so  I think the places that are still working know they can treat their employees how ever they want, since they know they can't find another job. A little over a year ago where I work changed from one 30 minute unpaid break and two 15 minute paid breaks to two 30 minute unpaid breaks. On Friday we learned starting Monday we will only have one 30 minute unpaid break during our 8 hour work day. They are cutting out one of our breaks. Our break will now be from 11:15 to 11:45. We start to work at 7:30 AM and end our day at 4:00 PM.

The jobs there are very fast paced and hard work, so people are really going to be exausted by the end of the day. I actually thought this was illegal, but checked the NC Labor board laws and found that employers in NC are not required by law to give their employees even one break during an 8 hour work day if the workers are over 16.. What do you think?

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Comments: 20

Sonia M. Feb 7, 2009, 10:36pm EST
I think it stinks. They are taking advantage of their workers with impunity because there is nothing on the books that say they can't. It might not be illegal but in my book it is a disgrace.

I'm so sorry Joan!
Ellie !. Feb 7, 2009, 10:36pm EST
I think you should write everything down...every day when you start and when you take a break. Research it. Doesn't federal law trump state law? Seems to me that is bad. But in this high unemployment era...they are probably getting away with it.
Kim M. Feb 7, 2009, 10:37pm EST
That's terrible. I'm so sorry. My dad's job did something like this as well. He just got layed off a couple weeks ago now. Most states are required to give you a 30 minute lunch break after 6 hours.
Renita P. Feb 7, 2009, 11:02pm EST
That stinks.... Everyone needs a potty break, snack break, etc. You'll probably find bathroom breaks are more "extended" now...
My husband just lost his job today~
lynn a. Feb 7, 2009, 11:13pm EST
I'm sorry for this and hope the accident rate does not go up if any of this is manual labor. Yes, the company heads probably do feel they have the upper hand, and they do. I never thought I would believe we need strong union representation, but I do now. I also would have thought you could fall back on federal law, and I hope that that turns out to be the case. In any event, now's not the time to fuss out loud. Unless you can walk away. I am afraid this is going to get a whole lot worse than it is now, so we all have to hold on to our wits. I hope you find the strength to get through all of this.
Pristina S. Feb 8, 2009, 8:37am EST
That is horrible.
Joan O. Feb 8, 2009, 9:27am EST
Sonia and all it's nice to know that you agree with me. I really appreciate the comments.

Ellie, I don't know about the federal laws but will try and check into it.

Kim, sorry to hear about your Dad loosing his job it seems to happen so much lately. My husband lost his job in April and his unemployment ran out last month. He's not eligible again for several months and no jobs to be found.

Renita, I think you're right about bathroom breaks.

Priscilla, so sorry to hear about your husband loosing his job. I can sure relate to that.

Lynn, I do believe the company feels it can do whatever it wants. I sure can't walk away, with my husband being out of work if it weren't for our son, working and living here helping out we'd never make it as it is.

Thanks Pristina.
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Feb 8, 2009, 10:35am EST
Time to change the law! In PA you were required to give full time employees two fifteen minute paid breaks and one 1/2 hour unpaid break, part time employees four hours or less one paid fifteen minute break and six hour employees two paid fifteen minute breaks.
Nancy M. Feb 8, 2009, 12:35pm EST
Joan I completely agree with you. They are certainly taking advantage of the times. I hope Harold finds something soon so that you aren't under so much pressure at least.
Alison H. Feb 8, 2009, 2:13pm EST
I hope the workers find ways to take small breaks despite this heartless decision.
debra g. Feb 11, 2009, 11:11am EST
As you found out the NC labor board is no help for us.The worker comp for NC is worst than you think also.The companies get all of the support from the goverment.
It's just wonderful to live in a RIGHT TO WORK state. The funny thing about this state is you can be fired for no reason and you have no rights.
carolyn b. Feb 13, 2009, 12:49pm EST
I agree with Ellie, this doesn't sound right at all.
Angela <:3---}~~~~ M. Feb 15, 2009, 5:34pm EST
That should be illegal it is in a lot of places!
Sheila Deeth Feb 27, 2009, 8:28pm EST
Doesn't sound right.
Fran S. Mar 9, 2009, 5:58am EDT
the rich get richer, the rest of us suffer, its life and how it usually is
doens't make it right, it is what it is
I feel for you
Sandra T. Mar 14, 2009, 11:37pm EDT
That stinks! I know I can't stand to be without my 2 15 minute breaks or my hour lunch.
Joan D. Mar 15, 2009, 6:39am EDT
..and I work thru lunch or eat and work. We are peons! But.. I do get weekends off still..
Fran S. Mar 16, 2009, 8:03am EDT
I think it reeks!! the rich get richer, the poor carry them on their backs - its the creedo of those "that have"
Renita P. Mar 21, 2009, 11:01pm EDT
I think that they should do BETTER than is the bare minimum required. After all, dont they want more than 'minimum" out of you???

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