Employee meal breaks are required to be at least 30 minutes if an employee works six hours anywhere throughout New York state. Non-Factory Workers are entitled to a 30-minute lunch break between a.m. and.New York law does not require employers to give employees a rest break. Learn more about New York break laws today to stay compliant! Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day. First, if the employee is a minor they must be provided with a lunch break of at least 30 minutes after they have completed five hours of work. Employers in New York State must provide certain employees with at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in any calendar week. Employees that are entitled to overtime must be paid for all hours worked and time-and-a-half for all hours worked over forty in a workweek. Protections for Pregnant Employees. New Jersey employment law provides some of the strongest protections for pregnant works in the United States.