Lunch Period

All employees, except those specifically excluded in T.C.A. § 4-4-105, are allowed a one (1) hour unpaid lunch (meal) period. If a supervisor requires an employee to work during any part of their one (1) hour meal period, the employee is considered to be at work and shall be compensated accordingly. The authorized meal period shall be taken during the work shift and shall not be used to alter arrival or departure time by not using the meal period or any part thereof. Certain employees cannot be relieved of duties to have a meal period during their work shift. An employee on a “fixed post” assignment may not leave their work station. These employees are considered to be at work even if they are able to eat a meal during their work shift and shall be compensated accordingly.