An employer may not force an employee to work through a meal break. 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. As of January 1, 2023, employers are required to provide an additional 20-minute rest period for those employees who work 12 hours or more in a day. In Illinois, employees are entitled to a 10minute paid rest break for every 4 hours of work they complete. Workers have a right to at least a 30minute meal break or each 6 hours worked in a calendar day. 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. A wage claim starts the process to collect on those unpaid wages or benefits. Employers ordering a mass layoff, relocation, or employment loss must give written notice to affected employees 60 days before the order takes effect. California's labor laws protect all workers, regardless of immigration status.