An employer may not force an employee to work through a meal break. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day.In Illinois, anyone who works at least 7.5 continuous hours is entitled to a 20minute break, at a minimum. 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. The amendment took effect immediately, and requires that Illinois employers provide paid breaks to mothers who breastfeed or express milk at work. The. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) was passed to prevent workers from being killed or otherwise harmed at work. If you do not have enough wages from employment in the base period, TWC cannot pay you benefits. Cowboys Today 1-10-25.