However, employers must pay for this if the job requires special preparation or cleanup. Rest periods of twenty minutes or less count as hours worked. Meal breaks during which employees have no duties are not hours worked. This is true even if workers must stay on the plant premises. However, if a worker has duties during this time, such as watching a machine or awaiting a phone call, then the employer must count the time as hours worked.
Employees paid by the hour can work up to forty hours in a week without earning overtime.
If required to work more, they must receive overtime pay for all hours over forty. The overtime rate is one and a half times the regular pay rate. For more information or details on laws affecting wages and working conditions, contact the Wage and Hour Division of your local U.S. Department of Labor office.