Security Worker Hours: Is It Legal to Work 19 Nights Straight Without a Break?

Can anyone tell me what the rules are regarding the hours of a security worker? Where I work, people often work 1-4 days and nights without time off. I have worked 19 nights without a day off on a 12-hour shift, and many have done more. Is all of this legal?

Such long working hours are illegal. Weekly off after 6 days of work is a must. Check out the labor laws of your state.

Normal working hours will be 8 hours daily, 48 hours a week. Overtime is paid for extra hours of work (this is theory). In practice, security guards are overworked and underpaid.

Thank you for the reply. On average, I work 60 plus hours with no overtime rate, all at minimum wage. Some employees get many more hours, and in some places I work, there are no facilities - just sitting in a car with no water, no toilets, and nowhere to make coffee.

Well, I can only suggest that your labor officer should be apprised of the working conditions. I am sure he will take action. However, the person who complains may become a target. Keep that in mind before taking up the matter.