State Troopers Want Lunch Breaks /

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State Troopers Want Lunch Breaks

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Posted: 5:47 PM May 16, 2008
Last Updated: 5:47 PM May 16, 2008

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Wisconsin troopers are going to court to try to get lunch breaks and more tax money for their meals.

A union representing state troopers has filed a lawsuit trying to reverse a 2003 policy that took away their meal benefits.

Until 2003, troopers had a choice. They could work an eight-hour shift with no lunch break and get a $4 lunch reimbursement. Or they could work an eight-and-a-half hour shift with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break and receive reimbursements of up to $9 for lunch.

Patrol Superintendent David Collins changed the policy in 2003 by scheduling all troopers for eight hour shifts with no breaks. That means they were eligible only for the $4 reimbursement.

A lawyer representing the troopers says they want paid half-hour lunch breaks and higher meal reimbursements.

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Posted by: Rodney Location: Oshkosh on May 17, 2008 at 11:47 PM
I work 10 hour shifts. Our company policy is two 5 minute breaks with no lunch break. I'll have to suggest that the company pay us for not eating. Oh I had better not...then I won't have to worry how I spend my 10 minutes of breaks for 10 hours. I won't have a job. When we are all asked to cut back on expenses the state employees want more money. With increased fuel costs everything has gone up except my wages and benefits. What kind of health insurance are the state troopers offered? I have to pay the first $7500 out of pocket. That's prescriptions, everything. Basically major medical is what we have for a very high cost. Maybe they need to try a different employer if they're not satified with what they get. Then they might not complain about the $4 allowance. What do they need the reimbusement for if they don't get a lunch break??? Are they taking a lunch on my dollar?

Posted by: Donny Location: Eau Claire on May 17, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I work eight hours without a lunch break, and nobody pays for my meal. Why should we pay for theirs?

Posted by: Chodie Choaderson Location: CF on May 17, 2008 at 02:27 AM
Don't they eat enough doughnuts as it is?

Posted by: cop mom on May 16, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Can the troopers lawyer sue and get me paid lunch? I have to brown bag it or pay for my own just like MOST OTHERS!!! Why do they think they are special? Why should my taxes pay for their lunch when my $7.00/hr barely pays for mine? I understand that they have a dangerous job but so do lots of others.