An additional 20-minute meal break must be permitted if working a 12-hour shift or longer. If an employee works through a meal break, they must be paid.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. Employees must be afforded reasonable bathroom breaks. For every 7.5 hours worked, Illinois state law allows one meal break to be taken no later than 5 hours from the start of the shift. The law requires employers to provide one hour of paid time off, which can be used for any reason, including vacation and sick leave, for every 40 hours worked. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day. However, under Illinois law, employees generally cannot waive their right to a meal break, even if they voluntarily agree to do so. A wage claim starts the process to collect on those unpaid wages or benefits.