I have been working as a contractor for a very large company on a military base. For the last 8 years I have worked here the employees have been going to the Gym when there isn't much work to be done.

Recently a co-worker of mine went to the gym. My manager ran after him saying he wasn't allowed to go to the gym as it was time card fraud. The co-worker and I perfectly understand that if they say we can't do this then we can't. BUT we asked if we could use the two 15 min breaks we get every 8 hours and go to the gym for 30 mins total. The manager said "NO" you are not allowed to take your breaks together. One 15 min break in the morning and one in the afternoon.

We then asked if we could use our 30 min lunch break (we work 8hour 30 mins but only charge 8 hours the other 30 mins is our lunch). The manager stated "No you have to eat your meal break in the shop (where we work)".

We stated we don't charge the company for our 30 min lunch break and we should be allowed to do as we please on it. He stated "we work for the military as a contractor and your not allowed to."

We then asked him why 5-6 other individuals get to go on smoke breaks 3 - 5 times a day for up too 30 mins each time. He has not responded to that yet.

Is my manager/the company violating our rights or and labor laws?

Certainly they can not require use to eat lunch in the shop even though we are not being paid for that time.

Thanks
Dave