Is my employer supposed to pay me if I don't get to take my break after working a 6 hour shift?

Question

I am part-time (student) working at a privately owned company. During certain shifts I have been unable to take my 30min meal break. I reported this incident and was told that i must take my breaks because I will not be getting paid for the time worked.
However, the position I work requires coverage when I am not there, and there was no one to cover my break at the time, and really shouldn't leave my position unattended so I thought I was being a "good" employee by staying at my post. Should I report my employer to the ministry of labour? According to the Ontario Employment Standards Act, I am required to have 30min break if working 5 or more consecutive hours, and if I cannot take it, then the time worked must be paid.

Is this info correct? Should I show this to my employer?
Any answer and/or help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Answer 1

I usually work 8 or 9 hours a day and sometimes I don't take a break. I'm salary so I only get paid for the 8 hours I'm here and not for the time over that.



I think breaks are only enforced if you are a minor

Answer 2

I'm an RN at a Emergency Department and work 12 hour shifts....sometimes we are so busy you just grab a bite whenever you can. If I work a 6 hour shift I just get paid for 6 hours and don't worry about a break.

Answer 3

I live in nebraska. Therefore I would call the Nebraska Workforce Department. Call you states workforce department. Let the state know what is going on. They will lead you in the appropriate direction. Start looking for a new job. BUT - you will be compensated and probably more than you are owed. Because your dignity was smashed.

Answer 4

You should get paid for that. The longer you let them get away with it the harder it'll be to start getting paid in situations like that. They're paying you for your time... you gave them your time.