Am I entitled to paid breaks?

Ragnhild Heyerdahl

foreignworkers@lomedia.no

Cathrine Kahrs

1. How long a break am I entitled to?

If you work a shift that is longer than 5.5 hours you must have at least one break.

If you work for longer than eight hours, you must have breaks that as a minimum add up to 30 minutes. Your employer can divide up the breaks, but you must be given enough time to eat and relax.

Employee organisation LO says that the lunch break should be in the middle of the day and last for at least 20 minutes.

Tip: The Working Environment Act specifies minimum requirements. The collective agreement in force at your workplace may provide for more favourable breaks.

2. Do I get paid for my break?

Yes, if you are not free to leave your workplace.

If you need to be available during your break or if there is no proper break room, the break will be counted as working hours. In which case, you must be paid.

3. Do I have the right to a break room?

Yes. Your employer must ensure that you have a separate room to eat and relax in.

The room must be screened off from customers, patients, pupils and the like, and should preferably receive daylight and have a view. It must be at least 6 m² in size, according to the Labour Inspection Authority.

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4. Can I take my break together with my colleagues?

Not necessarily.

Your employer has the right to decide that you should take your breaks at different times, for example in order to ensure that there is always someone on duty while other personnel  take their breaks.

5. Can I skip my break in order to leave work earlier?

No, that is not permitted.

You must take a break. You cannot exchange it for a shorter working day.

Sources: The Working Environment Act, LO-advokatene, Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet), Tina Storsletten Nordstrøm

Translated by Robert Lovering

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