When can an employer determine that work cannot proceed after the midshift meal hour?

The correct answer indicates that an employer can determine that work cannot proceed after the midshift meal hour when any men fail to report. This is grounded in labor practices and agreements that often stipulate that a certain number of workers must be present for work to continue efficiently and safely.

When any worker is absent after a meal period, it creates a situation where productivity and operational capacity may be compromised. This can impact not only the flow of work but also safety protocols, as a lack of adequate personnel can lead to hazards in the workplace. Thus, the absence of even a single worker can lead management to conclude that the necessary conditions for work to proceed are not met.

In this context, the other options do not align with the collective agreement criteria that govern workplace operations. Reporting and attendance protocols generally require that certain minimum staffing levels are maintained. Thus, simply relying on a majority or the expression of desire to work would not suffice to justify the continuation of work in a structured labor environment.