Saint Paul, MN — Changes to Minnesota’s rest and meal break laws are set to go into effect Jan. 1.
“State law requires employers to allow employees restroom time and time to eat a meal,” says the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. “If a break is less than 20 minutes in duration, it must be counted as hours worked and paid. For other breaks to be unpaid, employees must be completely relieved of work duties.”
Under the amended rest break statute, a rest break of at least 15 minutes will be required within each four consecutive hours of work. That time can be used to visit the nearest convenient restroom or otherwise take a break. If visiting the nearest restroom takes longer than 15 minutes, employers must allow that additional time.
The amended meal break statute requires meal breaks to be at least 30 minutes when working six or more consecutive hours; these breaks are unpaid. Previously, the statute required a meal break when working eight or more consecutive hours.
The amendments, approved by the Minnesota legislature during its 2025 session, are explained in a video on DLI’s website, along with FAQs and two sample scenarios.
Exceptions to the amended statutes include certain agricultural workers; individuals employed in a bona fide executive, administrative or professional capacity; and certain seasonal day camp staffers.
Employers may be exempt from the statutes if they have different requirements under an applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Additional details:
- Rest breaks can’t be offered after four consecutive hours. The break must come within that period.
- Employers can require workers to stay on the premises during their lunch break.
- To meet the requirements, hours worked include training time, cleaning time and any other time performing work duties.
- Employees may choose not to take breaks, but employers must allow them.
