What if a hard point is established that (say 10:00am) is your break time, what is wrong with working through it and taking it later/earlier depending upon conditions?
I guess that is the classic Labor/Management question at UPS and other represented companies.
Is there no flexibility from Labor on trivial items like 10 minutes?
There is nothing wrong with working through break and taking a 10min break at a later time. If my sup wants me to work through break to catch up, that great, it'll actually make the situation better overall. However, not having a break at all, as required by Law, well that isn't something trivial. Break is paid by the employer and required by the Department of Industrial Relations, Hours and Wage Department. If I'm being cheated from my paid break, at $10hr, I am being cheated from over a dollar for that day, if it occurs often, well we can all do the math, it adds up quickly. You can easily file a claim online. It doesnt make Uncle Sam happy when an employee is cheated from their time, simply put because if an employee is paid less than what he is suppose to, that means Uncle Sam is also being paid less from taxes.
Bottom line, file a grievance if my advice doesnt work, file a claim with the government if that doesnt work. Your biggest mistake will be not to say anything and be taken advantage of. Remember, you complaining for 5, 10min pay because you are owed that, is not You taking advantage of the company, its the Company taking advantage of you, for not giving you what you are owed. Finally, it's in their best interest to give you your 10min break, or 5min after each major fraction after 3.5hr. or a lunch after certain hours work. I say, in the companies benefit because you can easily file a claim and an law suit will ensue. Therefore, you are making them a favor in reminding them, "hey 10min break or an extra hour of pay."
