2011-01-18, 01:35 AM
Yeah, I'd contact a lawyer and start some research into local and state laws regarding your termination. Chances are you could sue the hell out of them for wrongful termination.
No job can "force" you to take breaks unless required by state or local law (there is no federal law) and I'm fairly sure California is one of the only ones or one of a few that does this (mandatory 15 minute breaks every 2 hours and a 30 minute lunch break after 4 hours unless you sign off an exemption notice). I would start researching New Jersey's Worker's Rights laws regarding Breaks, Lunch Times, and other off the clock activities ASAP while you still can. Chances are, you have a case, and you might not realize it.
Not too long ago, some security firm here in California got sued by workers getting docked pay for lunch times each day even if they didn't take it. The state ruled in favor of the workers and all received monetary compensation for time and pay they lost.
No job can "force" you to take breaks unless required by state or local law (there is no federal law) and I'm fairly sure California is one of the only ones or one of a few that does this (mandatory 15 minute breaks every 2 hours and a 30 minute lunch break after 4 hours unless you sign off an exemption notice). I would start researching New Jersey's Worker's Rights laws regarding Breaks, Lunch Times, and other off the clock activities ASAP while you still can. Chances are, you have a case, and you might not realize it.
Not too long ago, some security firm here in California got sued by workers getting docked pay for lunch times each day even if they didn't take it. The state ruled in favor of the workers and all received monetary compensation for time and pay they lost.