Does the law require me to take a meal period after 5 hours work if working 8+ hours? Can I work 6 hours then take a meal period? Is there a penalty if I work 6 hours before a meal period?
Only if you are working more than 7.5 continuous hours and there are many exceptions to this rule as you can see in the ILCS verbage. You need to be more specific as to your situation and what you are trying to glean from this rule. I believe that the break is at your option. The employer is required to give you the break. But it is up to you to take it.
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