An employee must not work for more than five hours in a row without getting a 30minute eating period (meal break) free from work. The Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) requires that all employees be granted one 30minute break for every 5 consecutive hours of work.No, in Ontario, according to the Employment Standards Act, your employer cannot require you to do work during your legally owed break time. The Canada Labour Code requires that all federally regulated employees be granted one 30minute meal break for every 5 consecutive hours of work. As an employee, you are entitled to an unpaid break of at least 30 minutes during every period of 5 consecutive hours of work. The Employment Standards Act (ESA) mandates that most employees must be granted a 30minute break, or eating period, for every five consecutive hours of work. Ohio's minimum wage, minor labor, and prevailing wage laws establish a safe, equitable playing field for all Ohioans to participate in the workforce. Most employees (there are some exemptions) can take one 30minute break for a meal, after their first 5 hours of work. Your employer must provide you with a 30-minute meal break if you have to work more than five consecutive hours.