Pretty sure my job is shafting me.

Question

I've been working at a movie theater for the past year. Im under 18 is it illegal to work a ten hour shift with only a 30 minute unpaid break. Theres also numerous times where i've stayed past 1:30 am. Anyone know if i can do anything about this.

Answer 1

Yes it is really illegal for a boy/girl under 18 years working beyond 8 hours...but usually breaks are unpaid...but if you stayed beyond 8 hours it should be overtime...try to find another company who could give you good salary and hours of work even you are below 18 years of age...Gudluck!!!

Answer 2

It depends on your contract.  Read through the documents and ask your manager if you don't understand.

Answer 3

each state has specific laws regarding situations like this. the federal government however also has some mandatory regulations.

i suggest you go to the following link (US Department of Labor Website):

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/youthlabor/...

Answer 4

This will depend upon the state you are in. There is no federal law that requires breaks of any kind. Some states require breaks for nearly every employee (Illinois, California, Oregon) while others do not require any breaks at all -- not even your unpaid meal break (Texas, Alabama.)

You don't say exactly how old you are, and that also makes a difference. Some states require breaks for workers who are under 17 or under 18 -- others do not. Federal law requires breaks for workers under 16, and restricts the hours they can work.

Post another question that mentions your age and state, for a more complete answer.  

Answer 5

Check your state's laws: it varies from state to state.  Once you've looked it up and you've got that information, approach your employer.  Explain that you've got a concern.  Remind him or her that you're still under 18, and that you looked up the laws for minors in your state and you're not comfortable with violating those laws.  Say you appreciate them giving you shifts, but that you really can't be [working until 1:30] or [working ten hour shifts without a full hour break].

Good luck!

Answer 6

Movie theaters are often violators of the child labor laws.  However there are different rules for when school is in session and when it isn't.  That is a very long shift and you should be getting more breaks for sure.  I used to work in a theater myself and they tried to take advantage of me.  I am a diabetic and they wouldn't let me go to break so the next day I quit them.  I saw lots of teenagers who were bullied into working with out breaks and stuff.  However, after they started getting fined, that stuff stopped.  Your parents are supposed to help you with these kinds of situations and help you to deal with them.  But it is your life and you can quit any time, and your parents will just have to deal with it.  Tell them how you feel, and hopefully they will support you, but if they don't then quit and teach them a lesson about you making your own choices.  

Answer 7

In a 10 hour day you shoud get 30 minutes meal break that is usually unpaid, but your should be getting two 15 minute breaks paid. In some states it is illeagal for minor to work past midnight. If you complain to much you may just loose the job. Talk to your manager without really complaining.