Does your state require employers give workers lunch breaks? Find out the regulations on lunch break laws and rest periods here.Short rest breaks (often 20 minutes or less) must not be deducted from an employee's daily pay. The law doesn't give employees the right to take time off to eat lunch (or another meal) or the right to take short breaks during the workday. This INFO addresses what qualifies as a meal and rest period, and when such periods are required under. Employees may not be required to work during a break period. How Many Breaks in a 12-Hour Shift in Texas? Rest breaks usually last about five to 20 minutes. Again, include rest breaks in the total time an employee works if you offer them to employees. Meal breaks can be unpaid time, but the employer must relieve the employee of all work activities and the time must be uninterrupted.