Non-Factory Workers are entitled to a 30-minute lunch break between a.m. and. Employers in New York State must provide certain employees with at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in any calendar week.Employee meal breaks are required to be at least 30 minutes if an employee works six hours anywhere throughout New York state. New York law does not require employers to give employees a rest break. Learn more about New York break laws today to stay compliant! Employees are entitled to a 45-minute break for shifts more than 6 consecutive hours that begin between 1 p.m. According to federal law, if any work activity is performed, the meal doesn't count as a lunch break and remains paid time. Federal law does not require lunch or coffee breaks. Rest breaks are not required, but all breaks 20 minutes or less must be compensated as hours worked. Industry-Specific Scheduling Requirements.