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Workplace evidence · Washington
Meal and rest break rules at work in Washington
The U.S. Department of Labor's table of state meal-period laws lists, for Washington, a half-hour meal period when the work period is more than 5 consecutive hours, given between 2 and 5 hours after the shift starts. Rules change, so check each official source below, and ask a lawyer licensed in Washington about your situation.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- The U.S. Department of Labor's table of state meal-period laws lists, for Washington, a half-hour meal period when the work period is more than 5 consecutive hours, given between 2 and 5 hours after the shift starts. U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Length of Meal Period Required Under State Law. Checked November 2, 2026
- The U.S. Department of Labor's table of state rest-period laws lists, for Washington, a paid 10-minute rest period for each 4-hour work period, as near as possible to the middle of it. U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Paid Rest Period Requirements Under State Law. Checked November 2, 2026
- The U.S. Department of Labor lists the Washington Department of Labor and Industries as the state labor office for Washington; its listed phone number is 360-902-5800. U.S. Department of Labor, State Labor Offices. Checked November 2, 2026
Official links
- U.S. Department of Labor: state meal-period laws
- U.S. Department of Labor: state rest-period laws
- Washington Department of Labor and Industries
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Handbook and policies
- Pay stubs, schedules and hours
- Messages sent to you
- Dated notes of what happened
- Complaints you made and the replies
- Job reviews and warnings
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
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More for Washington
- Deadlines to file a workplace discrimination or harassment complaint in Washington
- Minimum wage, overtime and tipped pay in Washington
- Overtime pay rules in Washington
- Work hours, night limits and work permits for teens in Washington
- Unpaid wages, paydays and your final paycheck in Washington
- How to document problems at work: the full guide
- Meal and rest break rules at work: all states
Neighbouring states
- Meal and rest break rules at work in Oregon
- Meal and rest break rules at work in West Virginia
- Meal and rest break rules at work in Vermont
- Meal and rest break rules at work in Tennessee
Questions
Where do these Washington facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Length of Meal Period Required Under State Law; U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Paid Rest Period Requirements Under State Law; U.S. Department of Labor, State Labor Offices. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in Washington or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for workplace evidence?
A good start: Handbook and policies; Pay stubs, schedules and hours; Messages sent to you; Dated notes of what happened; Complaints you made and the replies; Job reviews and warnings. Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.