Delayed Lunch Break
I’m a pharmacist at a retail pharmacy and work 10-hour shifts. The pharmacy closes from 1:30-2 pm for lunch, and that is the only time the pharmacist is able to have a break and take lunch. We occasionally close late (1:35-1:40) due to customers at pick-up. And yes, our goal is to close at 1:30 no matter what. But sometimes the customer that’s been at the register since 1:25 is still there.
My solution to closing late is to reopen late, so that I’m able to get my full 30 minutes. The other day our district manager emails us saying that we must open at 2 pm no matter what. Even if we close for lunch late. I always thought employee lunch breaks, including for pharmacists, were protected under the law. How can they tell us we’re not guaranteed our full 30 minute lunch break?
For reference I live in Texas. And as I mentioned, we really try to close on time (even if that means lowering the gate when people are at the counter). But sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
My question - can the company/district manager tell us we must reopen at 2 despite it cutting into our lunch? Does that not violate employee laws? If not, how do I ensure I get my full break?