Three weeks ago, we reported on widespread employment law breaches and sexual harassment amongst kitchen staff at University-managed halls of residence kitchens. Some staff then requested the mandated shift breaks that we outlined in the piece and were misled by management.
When staff in one hall reportedly asked for the 10 minute break they are legally allowed on any shift longer than two hours, they were told they were not entitled to such breaks. This is not true.
Screenshots shared with Critic Te Arohi showed an email sent by University Catering Manager Gary McNeill to senior catering staff. It was sent the day our initial article was published, and told staff that employment law “does not mean our staff who are rostered 2.5 hours gets a break.” This caused some confusion, leading staff members to reach out to Critic for clarification.
University of Otago’s Human Resources Director Kevin Seales told Critic: “The University of Otago follows standard employment law which entitles workers to a 10 minute break following 2 hours’ work. Some of the information in the message is incorrect. The correct information about breaks has since been passed on to kitchen staff.”
For your reference, here are the breaks your employer is legally required to give you, regardless of where you work. If your boss isn’t giving you these breaks, they are breaking employment law.
2.00 to 4.00 hours worked
- 1 x 10 minute paid rest break
4.01 to 6.00 hours worked
- 1 x 10 minute paid rest break
- 1 x 30 minute unpaid meal break
6.01 to 10.00 hours worked
- 1 x 10 minute paid rest break
- 1 x 30 minute unpaid meal break
- 1 x 10 minute paid rest break
10.01 to 12 hours worked
- 1 x 10 minute paid rest break
- 1 x 30 minute unpaid meal break
- 1 x 10 minute paid rest break
- 1 x 10 minute paid rest break