Employers must pay employees during a break period. Although breaks are not required, employers must pay employees for time they spend working and for shorter breaks during the day.An employer shall allow each employee to take at least one thirty minute meal break during every continuous eight hours of labor performed. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day. Many employers provide breaks despite this, but they aren't required to. Federal law does not require breaks; however, the DOL states that breaks under 20 minutes must be paid. There is no requirement in Arizona law that an employee be given break time or lunch periods. No, there is nothing "illegal" about your employer wanting you to stay at your post, taking away your breaks, until you meet the quota.