Rest and Meal Breaks

Updated January 2019

Supervisors are responsible for establishing appropriate lunch break schedules to ensure proper coverage within the departments.  Non-exempt employees are entitled to take a 30-60 minute unpaid lunch break based on their position during which time they are completely relieved of all work responsibilities.  A non-exempt employee is not permitted to work through a lunch break unless his/her supervisor is notified and provides approval. 

Supervisors will also schedule non-exempt employees, as appropriate, for two (2) paid ten-twenty (10-20) minute rest breaks based on position (generally one in the morning and one in the afternoon) per work day.

Break Time for Nursing Mothers

In accordance with current federal law, employers are required to provide reasonable unpaid break times for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for up to one year after the child’s birth.  Breaks are to be provided as frequently as needed by the nursing mother, recognizing that the frequency and duration of the breaks will vary.  Employers are required to provide a space (other than a bathroom) that is shielded from view and free from intrusion by coworkers and/or the public to ensure the employee’s privacy. 

Cambridge College will work collaboratively and expeditiously with an employee in need of an accommodation under this policy.  Employees who wish to request such an accommodation should contact the Office of Human Resources.