Meal breaks are unpaid unless the employee's employment contract requires payment. The Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) requires that all employees be granted one 30minute break for every 5 consecutive hours of work.Most employees (there are some exemptions) can take one 30minute break for a meal, after their first 5 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. No, in Ontario, according to the Employment Standards Act, your employer cannot require you to do work during your legally owed break time. It includes minimum rights with respect to hours of work, breaks and payment of travel expenses. The Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) requires that all employees be granted one 30minute meal break for every 5 consecutive hours of work. Connect with neighbors and police. Ojai Valley residents likely let out a collective sigh of relief on the morning of Jan.