Washington Meal & Rest Break Laws & Penalty Pay
Statutory 30-minute off-duty meal period thresholds, paid 10-minute rest breaks, 1-hour penalty pay rules, and lactation accommodations under RCW 49.46.020.
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Meal & Rest Period Requirements in Washington
Under statutory labor standards in Washington, break requirements are governed by RCW 49.46.020 and FLSA rules.
Meal Period Rule
No mandatory state meal break for adults unless specified by employment contract.
Rest Period Rule
Under FLSA 29 CFR § 785.18, short rest periods (5 to 20 mins) provided by employers must be counted as paid work time.
Statutory Break Penalties & Employer Liability
Statutory rules regarding break violations and employer liability in Washington:
- ⚠️ Statutory Penalty Pay: Violations of employer-agreed break schedules or failure to pay for rest breaks under FLSA 29 CFR § 785.18 constitute wage theft liable for back wages.
- ✓ On-Duty Meal Agreements: Permitted only in designated circumstances where duty nature prevents an off-duty break, requiring paid time.
- ✓ Lactation Accommodations: Reasonable break time and private, non-restroom spaces must be provided for nursing mothers under federal PUMP Act & state laws.
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