Target's Legal Troubles: A Breach Of Law?

Target Corporation is an American retail corporation that operates a chain of discount department stores and hypermarkets. The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is the seventh-largest retailer in the United States.

In 2013, Target expanded into Canada, purchasing the leaseholds for up to 220 stores of the Canadian sale chain Zellers. However, the expansion was beset with problems, and in 2015, Target announced the closure of all 133 of its Canadian outlets.

In 2013, Target was also the subject of a major data breach, in which up to 110 million customers' credit and debit card records were potentially compromised.

In 2014, Target was criticised for its bathroom policy, which allowed transgender customers and employees to use the restroom or changing area that corresponded with their gender identity. This led to a nationwide boycott, with around one million people signing the American Family Association's petition.

In 2020, Target ranked No. 32 on the Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. corporations by total revenue.

In 2023, Target was criticised for its Pride Month merchandise, with several viral posts on social media incorrectly claiming that tuck-friendly products were being sold to children. As a result, Target reduced the number of stores selling its Pride Month collection in 2024.

In 2024, Target announced that it would be changing the name of its credit and debit card from Target RedCard to Target Circle Card.

Target's break policy

Paid Breaks

Yes, any 15-minute break you receive at Target will be paid. You usually receive 15-minute breaks at Target if you work for four hours or more, and will receive two paid 15-minute breaks if you work more than eight hours.

Lunch Breaks

If you are required to take a lunch break at Target, these will last 30 minutes, and unfortunately, you will not be paid. Additionally, you are entitled to a 30-minute lunch break after working for more than six hours at Target.

Length of Lunch Breaks

Lunch breaks for Target employees are 30 minutes, regardless of how long you have worked. You are entitled to a 30-minute lunch break at Target if you have worked more than six hours in one shift.

You must take your lunch break at Target before you have worked for a full five hours. Otherwise, Target will make you sign a waiver stating you are happy to work over five hours before you take your lunch break.

You are also allowed to leave the Target premises to take your lunch, as long as you are back before you are set to start work again.

Shopping on Breaks

Yes, Target allows workers to shop before and after their shifts, on their breaks, and on their lunch breaks. This means if you want to pick something tasty up from Target for lunch, you can!

Target allows employees to shop as long as it means they do not gain an advantage over guests for the items they want. Employees are only allowed to buy merchandise that is on the shop floor, and they are not allowed to ring up their own transactions at Target. This is part of Target’s loss prevention program.

Breaks for Employees Under 18

Target employees under 18 are required to take a 30-minute lunch break after working for five hours, rather than six. This is to ensure they are not being overworked and are well-rested at Target.

Mandatory Breaks

Yes, you must take your designated breaks at Target. It is a legal requirement for you to take your breaks at Target to avoid the company breaking working laws that are set to protect employees. If you do not take your break while working your shift at Target, you will face consequences as it is a legal requirement.

Rest Between Shifts

You should get an 11-hour rest break between two shifts at Target. This means that if you finish one shift at Target at 9 pm, you are not allowed to begin your next shift at Target until 8 am the following day.

Weekly Breaks

In a 7-day working period at Target, you are entitled to a break of 24 hours within this period, meaning one full day off. Similarly, in a 14-day working period at Target, you are allowed to take 48 hours off. The 48 hours off can be in a row or separated depending on what Target needs you to work.

Target's gun policy

In 2012, a Target employee posted on a forum about carrying a concealed weapon to work. The employee stated that their state has a "Guns At Work" law, which allows employees to keep a gun in their car regardless of their employers' rules. The employee also mentioned that their state law permits CWP holders to bring their gun into establishments with "NO GUNS" signs, and that the police would not intervene unless the gun was brandished.

However, the employee acknowledged that if Target management found out about the gun, they would likely be fired. Other forum users agreed that carrying a gun at work would result in termination, as it goes against company policy.

Target's employee shopping policy

Target has a comprehensive employee handbook that covers a range of topics, including important policies and guidelines, employee benefits and compensation, training and development opportunities, workplace safety and security measures, and employee resources.

The employee handbook is a crucial resource for all Target team members, providing essential information to ensure a safe, productive, and supportive work environment. It covers various aspects, such as the code of conduct, work schedule and attendance policies, dress code guidelines, and the importance of upholding confidentiality and data protection.

While the handbook doesn't explicitly mention an employee shopping policy, it does emphasize compliance with laws and regulations, including those related to safety, data protection, and privacy. Additionally, the handbook outlines the use of company resources, encouraging employees to use them responsibly for legitimate business purposes.

Target also offers various employee benefits, such as competitive compensation, health insurance coverage, retirement plans, employee discounts, and paid time off. These benefits promote work-life balance and support the overall well-being of team members.

Overall, Target's employee handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure that team members understand and adhere to the company's policies, guidelines, and benefits.

Target's employee age policy

Target's hiring age policy varies depending on the role. For example, the minimum age to work as a Guest Advocate, General Merchandise, Inbound (Stocking), or Starbucks team member is 16. However, for roles such as Overnight Inbound (Stocking) and Security Officer, applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Target's employee lunch policy

Targets Employee Lunch Policy

Target's break policy is designed to keep employees happy and healthy while they are working at the retailer. Target's break policy states that team members are entitled to one paid 15-minute break if they have worked over four hours. For shifts longer than six hours, Target employees can receive one paid 15-minute break and one unpaid 30-minute lunch. For shifts over eight hours, there are two paid 15-minute breaks and one unpaid 30-minute break.

You are supposed to get two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch if you work an eight-hour shift. However, some employees have reported that Target does not always give them their break. If you work a five-hour shift, you only get one 15-minute break.

You must take your 30-minute meal before you hit the five-hour mark, or HR will have you sign a waiver saying that they didn't force you to stay and work over your set break time. You are also allowed to leave the Target premises to take your lunch, as long as you are back before you are set to start work again.

Frequently asked questions