Pennsylvania employers are required to provide break periods of at least 30 minutes for minors ages 14 through 17 who work five or more consecutive hours. If an employer chooses to provide a rest break, federal law mandates that short breaks of up to 20 minutes must be paid.In Pennsylvania, only employers of seasonal farmworkers are required to provide breaks. Yes, Pennsylvania labor laws require specific breaks for employees. Work breaks in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania does not require that most employers give their employees breaks. If the employer elects to provide a rest break, then federal law requires that employers pay employees during short breaks of up to 20 minutes. The key distinction in Pennsylvania break laws lies in the nature and payment of breaks. Pennsylvania labor laws require employers to provide a 30-minute break period to employees aged 14 to 17 who work five or more consecutive hours. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day.