Breaks, Benefits and Days Off - The Maryland Guide to Wage Payment and Employment Standards

(Not under the enforcement powers of the Employment Standards Service)

Unless the worker is under 18 years old or is an employee who works in certain retail establishments, there is no law requiring an employer to provide breaks, including lunch breaks. Minors under 18 must receive a 30 minute break for every 5 hours of work. In addition, state law does not guarantee days off for holidays or any special holiday pay for private sector employees, except a religious day of rest each week for retail employees who give prior written notice to their employers.Maryland law does not require the award of certain benefits. Examples include vacation leave, compensatory time, holidays and holiday pay, health and life insurance, bonuses, severance pay, etc. The right to claim benefits only arises through a prior agreement of the parties.

Also, see Pay for Lunch and Other Breaks.