Meal and Break Rules in Illinois

Meal breaks. Employees in Illinois who work seven and one-half continuous hours must have at least 20 minutes for a meal period no later than five hours after the start of a work period, except where meal periods are established through collective bargaining.

The requirement does not apply to employees whose meal periods are established through collective bargaining. In addition, mandated breaks do not apply to employees who monitor individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illness, or both, who, in the course of their duties, are required to be on call during an entire eight-hour work period. However, these employees must be allowed to eat a meal during the eight-hour work period while continuing their monitoring duties.

Hotels and other establishments licensed for transient occupancy in a county having a population greater than 3,000,000 must provide each hotel room attendant who works at least seven hours in a workday with a minimum of two 15 minute paid rest breaks and one 30 minute meal period. Employers must keep complete and accurate records of the break periods. Employers must also provide an adequate room on the premises for break periods, with adequate seating and tables and clean drinking water.

The Right to Breastfeed Act allows women to nurse anywhere they are authorized to be and applies to both private and public places.

Rest breaks. Rest breaks not specified.