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Michigan Meal Break Laws: Are Lunch Breaks Required?

Michigan law does not mandate general adult meal breaks in most workplaces. Here’s how breaks are handled and what to do if you’re denied breaks.

Michigan vs. Federal Rules

  • Michigan: No general adult meal break statute; minors have protections.
  • FLSA: Short breaks are paid; bona fide 30+ minute meal periods are generally unpaid if uninterrupted.

Off-the-Clock Risks

  • Automatic meal deductions can cause underpayment if you actually worked.
  • Keep notes of missed or interrupted meals.

Action Steps (Checklist)

  • Track missed breaks and off-the-clock time
  • Follow company policy for requesting breaks and keep proof
  • Consider wage claims if pay is shorted

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