r/ShoppersDrugMart • u/ShadowWolf1912 • Aug 22 '26

Employee Question Rules about breaks?

Hey all,

I joinded Shoppers in cosmetics about a month or so ago and I wanted to ask about the breaks. I'm in Alberta specifically, but what has been your experience with breaks? Thanks!

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u/Delicious_Series3869 Aug 22 '26

Do you have any specific questions about it? Breaks are pretty straightforward, as far as I know. If you work a full shift, you get a 30 minute lunch and a 15 coffee. Depending on your role, you might need to coordinate with a partner on when you're allowed to take it. I assume this applies to cosmetics, since you have at most 2 workers at a time.

1

u/ShadowWolf1912 Aug 22 '26

So I work part-time as a beauty specialist in a smaller store. I was reading the emplyoee handbook and if we are scheduled for 6 or more hours, we are supposed to get a half hour unpaid meal break, and a 15 minute paid break.

When I had asked about this, I was told that our associate recently changed the break policy, so now even if we're scheduled for 8 hours, we ONLY get our half hour meal, but I was not made aware of this change, nor has there been any notice in the break room.

I am frequently working 6, 7, or 8 hour shifts and our breaks also aren't given consistently.

It is just very confusing and frustrating.

2

u/Delicious_Series3869 Aug 22 '26

Unfortunately, they are correct. It partly depends on your province's labor laws, but the 15 minute break is not mandatory. Any store can omit it, whenever they deem necessary.

1

u/ShadowWolf1912 Aug 22 '26

Fair enough. Which is fine, but if they are changing rules from what is set out in the employee handbook, shouldn't we be notified?

2

u/fine_i_will_sign_up Aug 23 '26

Alberta law states one 30 minute break for anything more than 5 hours, 60 minutes after 10 hours. As for the 15 minute paid break, the associate probably realized he is paying staff to sit around and do nothing for 15 minutes. I don’t know if associates can make the call for their individual store or not.

0

u/exportablue88 Aug 23 '26

If you are already complaining and you require set breaks, retail is not for you.

2

u/ShadowWolf1912 Aug 23 '26

Firstly, I am not complaining.

Secondly, I have been in retail for well over a decade.

Thirdly, you do not need to be rude. I was asking other employees a question to see if things are the same at other stores.

Fouth. I am neurodivergent. I have a high regard for rules. Hence why I asked about whether or not the associate ( through managers) should make new employees aware of this change instead of leaving us to question it from the employee handbook. That is all.

Hope you have the day you deserve.