Breaks - When and how long?

You all know the drill about break rotations: everyone gets a paid fifteen minute break that starts roughly in the middle of the shift.

Fifteen-minute paid breaks

Here's the library policy:
Fifteen-minute breaks with pay are scheduled based on the needs and at the convenience of the department for part-time employees working more than three consecutive hours in any one period. Breaks cannot be accumulated or used for other purposes, such as leaving work early or adjusting work schedules. The University Policy reads, “rest period privileges may be withdrawn if abused.” Breaks are to be taken outside the work area, if feasible; in any case, employees on a break should not distract other employees who are working.

Half-hour unpaid lunch breaks

Any time you are scheduled to work for more than 5 hours and 45 minutes, you need to clock out for a half hour lunch break around the middle of your shift. Usually, this only occurs when working a double shift, and the lunch break would be taken at the end of the first shift or the beginning of the second shift. The lunch break must be timed to be somewhere in the middle of your two shifts because California law says you can't be on the clock for more than 5 hours and 45 minutes in a row, in either direction. Be sure to let the workleader know that you need to take a lunch break, so they can send the extra to relieve you for that half hour. This is a separate break from the 15 minute break rotation, described above.

If you want to take an hour long break, please ask the Info Desk supervisor for permission in advance. Otherwise, the tardiness policy also applies to coming back late from lunch breaks.

How breaks are noted on the schedule

If you are working a back-to-back shift during shifts that do not normally have a break rotation, you should see (break) written next to your name on the schedule. If you need a lunch break, you should see (lunch) written next to your name on the schedule. However, the schedule may not be up to date if you have picked up shifts, so be sure to keep track of when you need a break and let the workleader know when you'd like to take it.

Breaks should be taken around the midpoint of a person's entire shift, but there has been a lot of confusion when breaks happen in the midst of a shift change. Workleaders should arrange breaks so they either: 1) finish before the next shift-change or 2) not start until all workers are in position for the following shift.

Similarly, breaks should not be used as a means to leave the shift early. We want to have everyone on hand during the shift change to ensure that all desks are covered and everyone can be relieved.

Where to take breaks

We have a fridge and microwave in the break room in 405 Doe and there is another break room in 301 Moffitt or the break area behind the Moffitt 4 Circulation Desk. The code for entry is posted at the Info Desks with the other passwords. Feel free to stash your lunch there, but be sure to use a bag to conceal your food if you are walking through Doe or Main Stacks.

Remember, eating your meal or a snack just off to the side of the Info Desk is not ok. We wouldn't allow patrons to eat there either! Please take your food to the break room or eat it outside the building.