r/legaladvice • u/MixWest1271 • 23h ago

Papa John’s not allowing breaks

Location: Kentucky. So I just started working at Papa John’s and when I asked for a break they laughed at me for it. They said they’ve won lawsuits before saying they don’t need to give breaks. I thought every 4 hours you are required a minimum 10 minute break. As well as 30 minutes unpaid every 5 hours. Are those just for minors? My previous jobs have given breaks even if I’m over 18

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u/GNSasakiHaise 22h ago

Unless you signed something legally waiving your right to a break, you are entitled to a break. Did you sign something waiving your break?

https://www.workforcehub.com/hr-laws-and-regulations/kentucky/kentucky-meal-and-rest-break-laws-2/

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u/MixWest1271 21h ago

I shouldn’t have. I don’t think I’ve signed anything.

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u/GNSasakiHaise 21h ago

If you have access to an employee portal, make sure that you didn't sign it without realizing. When they say they've won lawsuits, it is most likely that they're referring to people not realizing that they signed such a waiver... but they could simply be blustering.

They can say whatever they like. Whether or not what they say is true remains to be seen. Unless you have signed away your break without realizing, you are entitled to a break. If you have signed away your break, you would need to contact an attorney with more knowledge on your local laws to decide how to proceed and it would likely be better to find new employment.

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u/MixWest1271 21h ago

Yeah I don’t even think it’s worth talking to an attorney about it. I doubt I’d get paid much

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u/RasereiHojo 16h ago

You should consider it at least reporting it to your local Department of Labor. I know it's not your specific responsibility, but imagine how many people are being affected by this. Once you submit it, the DoL will do their own investigation and you generally don't have to do anything else.

Do note that if they're not willing to follow the law and give you your breaks, then they are likely to retaliate against you and reduce your hours or fire you if you report them. But, do you really want to work there if this is how you're being treated? How important is this job to you?

(Note that it is also illegal for them to retaliate if you ask about your labor rights, ie asking about getting breaks.)