An employer may not force an employee to work through a meal break. Employees must be afforded reasonable bathroom breaks.Illinois employers must provide a meal break to employees who work at least seven and a half continuous hours. This break must be at least 20 minutes long. Provides employees with 24 consecutive hours of rest within every seven (7) consecutive day period. • Employers may obtain permits from. Meal Breaks: Employees are entitled to a 20-minute meal break for every 7.5-hour shift. This break must be given no later than 5 hours into the shift. However, under Illinois law, employees generally cannot waive their right to a meal break, even if they voluntarily agree to do so. Nonexempt employees are entitled to pay at one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay if they work more than 40 hours in a workweek.