My employer gives no benefits, no health insurance, no sick days, no PTO, literally nothing. I work 4 days a week, 8.5 hours per day, and we get a 30 minute unpaid lunch break. No one takes any additional breaks, I don’t think anyone has ever asked for one either. We’ve just been told we only get our unpaid lunch break.
Lately I have sustained an injury that is making standing on my feet for 8 hours a day more challenging and painful, and I want to take my paid rest breaks as well. (It’s not like I have health insurance to get it taken care of) If I understand right, you are entitled to 2 additional paid breaks throughout an 8 hour shift.
However, I am not sure if there are rules that small, independently owned businesses do not have to follow? There is a total of about 10 employees, so I’m wondering if they are exempt from giving rest breaks?
Also- how do I ask for a break? The owner has made it clear that breaks are not welcome, as the other day I came in sick. After using the bathroom twice within 4 hours I got talked to about it. When I told him I had been up sick all night and I don’t feel well, he thanked me for coming in (because it would affect everyone if I called out) and made a comment about how much work I have to do compared to how many times I’ve been to the bathroom today. I told him I would like to get tested for Covid as I have multiple symptoms and he laughed, said I don’t have Covid, slapped my back, and walked away.
Am I legally entitled to paid breaks? How should I go about asking for it when no one else takes breaks? And how should I respond if I get told no?
TIA