Maryland employment law attorney Bruce Luchansky answers the question: “Is my employer required to allow me to take a break for meals or rest during my workday?”  Surprisingly, the answer in Maryland (in most cases) is no.  Although there are certain exceptions (such as in retail establishments that employ 50 or more employees), most employers are not required to provide their employees with a lunch break or rest period during the work day.  But if an employer does give you a break during the day, he must pay you for that time unless the break is longer than 20 minutes and you are relieved of all your duties during that time.  If your employer is taking unauthorized deductions from your pay, call an experienced Maryland employment attorney right away.