Meal and Rest Break Laws in Oregon
Whether Oregon law requires meal or rest breaks for adult employees.
Short answer: Meal break: at least 30 minutes, unpaid and free of all duties, for non-exempt employees who work 6 or more hours (taken in a set window in the middle of the shift); a second meal period is required for shifts of 14 hours or more. ORS 653.261 and BOLI rules (OAR chapter 839, division 20)
| Meal and rest breaks | Meal break: at least 30 minutes, unpaid and free of all duties, for non-exempt employees who work 6 or more hours (taken in a set window in the middle of the shift); a second meal period is required for shifts of 14 hours or more. If the employee must work during the meal, the whole period is paid. Rest break: a paid 10-minute break for every 4 hours worked or major part of 4 hours, taken near the middle of each segment, separate from the meal break. Limited exceptions apply (for example, undue hardship with notice, and voluntary meal waivers by tipped food and beverage servers 18 and older). |
|---|
Where to get help in Oregon
More Oregon employment law
- Minimum Wage in Oregon
- Final Paycheck Laws in Oregon
- Wrongful Termination in Oregon
- Paid Sick Leave in Oregon
- Non-Compete Agreements in Oregon
- All Oregon employment law rules
FAQ
Are breaks required by law in Oregon?
Meal break: at least 30 minutes, unpaid and free of all duties, for non-exempt employees who work 6 or more hours (taken in a set window in the middle of the shift); a second meal period is required for shifts of 14 hours or more. If the employee must work during the meal, the whole period is paid. Rest break: a paid 10-minute break for every 4 hours worked or major part of 4 hours, taken near the middle of each segment, separate from the meal break. Limited exceptions apply (for example, undue hardship with notice, and voluntary meal waivers by tipped food and beverage servers 18 and older).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.