Breaks (Meal and Rest)

Do I get paid for my meal breaks?

You are entitled to a one half-hour unpaid break every five consecutive hours. The half-hour break cannot unreasonably be denied.  In certain circumstances where employees do not get the full half-hour break at one time, the employer must pay for the half hour.

An employee must be paid for their half-hour break if he/she is required to remain on the premises during their break.

Do I get a rest period?

Every employee is entitled to a rest period of at least 24 consecutive hours in every seven-day period and whenever possible the rest period shall include Sunday.

For further information see section16 of the Employment Standards Act.

Who can I contact for more information?

Hazel Walsh-Scott (Office Coordinator)
Sherwood Business Centre
161 St. Peters Road, 2nd Floor 
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7N8
Telephone: (902) 368-5550
Toll Free: 1-800-333-4362
Fax: (902) 368-5476
Email: hawalsh@gov.pe.ca