Hi all, I just started a new job and I'm really confused on the lunch policy. For context, I live and work in NJ.
We are given an hour lunch break which we can split up if we like ( 2 sets of 30, 1 30 and 2 15s, etc). However, 30 minutes of the break are paid and the other 30 minutes are unpaid. We must make up the unpaid 30 minutes, so this forces me to stay an extra 30 minutes (8:30-5 instead of 8:30-4:30).
I asked if it is allowed to simply take a 30 minute lunch break instead, since if I'm not getting paid for 30 of those minutes, I might as well use them to not be at work! I was told that the hour is mandatory. I understand that regardless of how stupid I think this is, I'm going to have to obey it to keep my job, but I was wondering if anyone has any idea why?? Is there any legal reason a job might do this?