The Union wishes to ensure you are aware of your rights regarding meal periods and rest periods, as well as the importance of taking these well-deserved breaks.

Ensuring you take your breaks allows your mind to rest, recharge and refocus, before returning to your workday.

Article 14.5 Rest Periods

There shall be a 15-minute rest period in each half of any full shift. Employees working less than a full shift shall receive one 15-minute paid rest period.

• Rest periods are paid breaks
• Rest periods are to be taken away from clients and are without interruption
• Rest periods can be combined with your meal period if you have the Employer's approval
• You cannot receive additional pay as a result of not taking your rest period
• The employer is required to ensure you receive your rest periods. If you are having difficulty taking your rest periods please speak with your supervisor

Article: 14.6 Meal Periods

(a) An unpaid meal period shall be scheduled as close as possible to the middle of each shift of five hours or more and shall be taken away from the work area. The length of the meal period shall not be less than 30 minutes, or up to 60 minutes by mutual agreement.

(b) Employees required by the Employer to work during their scheduled meal period will have their meal period rescheduled to an alternative time during that shift. Every effort shall be made to ensure that the rescheduled meal period does not commence within two hours of the end of the shift. Employees whose meal period is not rescheduled will be paid for the meal period at the applicable overtime rates.

(c) An employee who has been designated by the Employer to be available for work during his/her meal period will receive pay for the meal period at straight-time rates.

• Unlike rest periods, meal periods are unpaid unless you are designated by the Employer to be available for work during that meal period
• If your meal period is unpaid you are not required to remain at the worksite for the duration of your break
• Meal periods can be combined with rest period with approval of your Employer
• If you are having difficulty taking your meal period, please speak with your supervisor

What does this mean to you?

Please review your shift start and end times, paid length of shift, unpaid meal break period, and rest periods to ensure you are taking the appropriate breaks.

If you have any concerns please do speak with a Steward at your worksite for assistance.

In Solidarity

Nicki Pearson 
Staff Representative

Masoud Aminzavvar
Local 803 Chairperson

Download PDF of notice here 

UWU/MoveUP