Meal breaks. An employer in Minnesota must permit an employee who works for eight or more consecutive hours sufficient time to eat a meal. The employer is not required to pay the employee during the meal break provided that the employee is completely relieved from duty, generally for 30 minutes except in special conditions. If an employee is not freed from duty, including being interrupted by frequent phone calls, the meal period must be considered hours worked. However, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, employers and employees may establish meal periods different from those provided by law.

Rest breaks. An employer in Minnesota must allow each employee an adequate break from work during each four consecutive hours of work to utilize the nearest convenient restroom. Rest periods of less than 20 minutes may not be deducted from hours worked. An employer and employee may establish rest breaks pursuant to terms of a collective bargaining agreement.