Mars, Inc.
Meal Periods and Breaks Policy (US)
(effective March 2020)
PURPOSE
Mars, Incorporated provides both meal periods and rest breaks to Associates based on their work schedules and in compliance with wage and hour laws.
RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of Line Managers to approve and manage Associate break and meal schedules to ensure no adverse impact on business operations.
- Meal Periods: a 30-minute meal period is provided when time worked exceeds 6 hours. This regularly scheduled meal period is not counted as time worked. The 30-minute break should be started prior to the Associate reaching 6 hours of consecutive time.
- Rest Breaks: a 15-minute paid break is provided for each 4 hours worked.
Mars complies with state and local law where applicable. These policies may be modified at certain business units/sites to comply with applicable state or local laws as necessary. For details contact your Line Manager or create a request on the MyP&O portal.
PROCEDURE
Meal Periods
An unpaid meal period is provided as mandated by state and local laws. A meal period is not counted as time worked. Every effort should be taken to ensure that the meal period is taken as close to the middle of the shift as possible. In accordance with wage and hour laws, Associates are not permitted to shorten or skip their meal period.
Rest Breaks
Paid rest breaks are provided as per mandated state and local laws. Mars provides two 15-minute paid rest breaks per 8-hour shift. Rest breaks are paid regardless of whether the Associate punches out. These breaks should be scheduled so there is no interruption of work.
Associates are not permitted to work off-the-clock, to shorten or skip their meal or rest breaks, use breaks to compensate for arriving late or leaving early, or use rest breaks to extend their meal breaks.
On occasion when circumstances prevent Associates from taking all or part of their meal or rest break, they are required to record the shortened or skipped break in the Timekeeping System. If work conditions or other circumstances cause an Associate to perform work off-of-the-clock, the Associate should report the conditions to his/her Line Manager or create a request on the MyP&O portal so that the timecard can be corrected.
Associates who regularly work off-the-clock or skip or shorten meal breaks may be subject to counseling, and repeated violations may be subject to disciplinary action. Associates will not ordinarily be subject to disciplinary action for skipping rest breaks unless breaks are required by applicable law, but Associates should code missed breaks in the Timekeeping System and notify their Line Managers or create a request on the MyP&O portal.
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For additional information, refer to the following policy documents: |