• The Illinois Department of Labor ensures the safety of workers.construction laborer image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  Illinois is one of nine states with specific laws about meal breaks and rest periods. Illinois labor laws are enforced by the Illinois Department of Labor. The mission of the department is to "promote and protect the rights, wages, welfare, working conditions, safety and health of Illinois workers." The Department of Labor administers the One Day Rest in Seven Act, which is designed to provide workers with adequate breaks.
  
  

Mandatory Breaks

• According to the One Day Rest in Seven Act, the law governing rest time and meal breaks in Illinois, employers are required to allow employees working at least seven and a half consecutive hours a meal break of at least 20 minutes. This break must be allowed within the first five hours of the shift. This rule doesn't apply to workplaces that have collective bargaining agreements. There are special laws that apply to children who are 14 or 15 years old regarding breaks and working hours. Employers must allow these workers a 30-minute meal period within the first five hours of work.
  
  

Hotel Room Attendants

• Hotel room attendants working at least seven hours in a row are entitled to two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute meal break, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The state requires that employers provide break rooms and free, clean drinking water for these employees. This law applies in any county with a population of more than 3 million.
  
  

Exceptions

• Though regular employees must be completely relieved of their job duties while on a meal break, employees who monitor the mentally ill or developmentally disabled or are on call can eat a meal while continuing to work. The Director of Labor can grant permits allowing exceptions to the One Day Rest in Seven Act.