Employers in NYS must provide certain employees with at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in any calendar week. Non-Factory Workers are entitled to a 30-minute lunch break between a.m. and.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! Rest breaks are not required, but all breaks 20 minutes or less must be compensated as hours worked. Industry-Specific Scheduling Requirements. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) created this overview of important City, State, and federal laws so you know your rights at work. Employers are required to give meal breaks to all employees who work at least six hours. In NY you are required to have a minimum of a 30 minute meal break if you work 6 hours or more.