My question is: I work for a company who provides us a 30 minute unpaid lunch break. We are also allowed breaks in between but they are unpaid. We have to clock out if we forget our lunch in the car, or to smoke, or to prepare a snack, pretty much any reason we leave our desk other than to go to the bathroom. Every company I have worked for prior to this one has given 2 - 15 minute paid breaks in addition to an unpaid lunch. Is my current company required to give us paid breaks? I have been looking online but I can't seem to find an answer specific to Florida.
Thanks!

Actually, you employer does not have to pay for smoke breaks and extra minutes to get lunch or whatever. This is where unions come into play. Unions bring some balance to the work environment. Having a boss that is not an would help to.

My last office job we were able to leave the desk... Hit the vending machine. Smokers were allowed to take smoke breaks. Not allowing an employee to take these breaks was against the union agreement.

If you leave something in the car just tell you boss that you left something health related in the car that you need to get. When he/she says I thought you went to the bathroom you say you were but you forget feminine products in the car. If this person still is trying to dock your paid I would look for another job. How easy is it look the other way?

For a more realistic view of the situation (sorry Marriedguy), try to realize it is not the responsibility of the employer to provide breaks for you, other than personal function needs. Smoking is a choice - it is something you elect to do. So do it on your own time. If you left something you needed in your car (once), then ask permission to retrieve it. After the first time, be prepared for problems. Responsibility begins when you arrive for work and includes having all your personal belongings in the appropriate place. When you come back into the building after "getting something important out of the car," and you wreak of smoke, well --- it doesn't take an Einstein to know you are being dishonest. And as far as "How easy is it to look the other way?" --- Marriedguy, it is very easy to look the other way while you pack your things and vacate the premises you USED TO work in. Sorry, but deception doesn't get anyone ahead... if you want to succeed, LISA0475, then be honest and try to comply with the rules.

This is a thread from 2007 (3 years ago).

Why are you just coming to this post now?

Please keep on eye on the dates - this is long dead and there are other, pressing questions on the board.