I'm sure there is some sort of law that covers "breaks".
I know that in Texas, if employed by the state, there are some pretty specific guidelines.
I used to work a swing shift and could not leave the building for lunch. I was the only one on duty in the building at that time. Thank God I only worked that shift 3 months
The place I work doesn't hand out checks often for screw ups (ask anyone that works for a state agency heheh). This was one of them and it was brought upon by inquiring with HR. Start there, if you think something is not right, get with your State's work commission or equivalent.