The federal and state laws regarding pay, overtime, breaks, FLMA, sick leave, vacations, shifts, leaves of absence, minimum wage, and other matters relating to pay rates and times are very complicated. Below are links to pages direct from the United States department of Labor that address many of the common questions around these topics. In 2023, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. That became effective July 24, 2009. Many states also have minimum wage laws that raise it above this. In cases where an employee is subject to both state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher minimum wage.
DOL FLSA wage poster - Note: This Poster last revised: April 2023 (previous versions, including the August 2016 version, no longer fulfill the posting requirement and should be replaced)
This is not legal advice, but my understanding is that those Federal mandatory break rules ONLY apply to minors (under 18 years old). Of course, there are a few regulated industries, like airline pilots and truck drivers that have breaks written into law, but for most of us, it is just our employers policy. And they can always fire us for failing to follow their policy, but we don't have a practical recourse if we don't get the breaks as promised.
Now, some states have their own rules that may apply. Here's a good summary: http://www.dol.gov/esa/programs/whd/state/rest.htm
As to the question regarding what you are paid for, that's really a case-specific issue that would have to do with your contact and terms of employment. Again, I'm not a lawyer, but common sense says the company could have a policy requiring those breaks and since you are not performing work during them, you wouldn't be paid for them. According to the table on the page referenced above, Illinois, your state, only has protection for hotel workers, so it looks like you wouldn't be entitled to pay for the breaks.
Ways to save money AND help the environment:
Eat healthier AND save money: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates
Save water AND money with this showerhead adapter, it lets the water flow until the water is hot, then shuts off water flow until you restart it, ShowerStart TSV Hot Water Standby Adapter
Protect your health with these:
Mattress Dust mite-Bedbug protector, 100% Waterproof, Hypoallergenic, Zippered
Handheld Allergen Vacuum Cleaner with UV Sanitizing and Heating for Allergies and Pet, Kills Mite, Virus, Molds, True HEPA with Powerful Suction removes Hair, Dander, Pollen, Dust,
Immune Support Supplement with Quercetin, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D3
GermGuardian Air Purifier with UV-C Light and HEPA 13 Filter, Removes 99.97% of Pollutants
5 Stage Air Purifier, Features Ultraviolet Light (UVC), H13 True Hepa, Carbon, PCO, Smart Wifi, Auto Mode, Quiet, Removes 99.97% of Particles, Smoke, Mold, Pet Dander, Dust, Odors
Interesting Reads:
THE PREPPER'S CANNING & PRESERVING BIBLE: [13 in 1] Your Path to Food Self-Sufficiency. Canning, Dehydrating, Fermenting, Pickling & More, Plus The Food Preservation Calendar for a Sustainable Pantry
The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre! Paperback
The Citizens' Guide to Geologic Hazards: A Guide to Understanding Geologic Hazards Including Asbestos, Radon, Swelling Soils, Earthquakes, Volcanoes
The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming
Book: The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History Paperback