Here is the official response from the General Manager:

Different practices for handling breaks were being followed by different departments.  While there is no change to the existing break policy, we are addressing how it is implemented.  The change has been done partly to bring uniformity to our processes.  Furthermore, and specifically, the problem that we are solving is that a limited number of full-time hourly employees were taking their breaks in conjunction with their lunch break; thus, they were taking an hour off for lunch and the association was paying them for 40 hours when they were only working 37.5 hours.  By discontinuing that practice, the association will gain productivity and “recover” significant wages.  There is no change to the formal break policy; if an employee needs a break, they are certainly allowed to take it.  The labor law as it pertains to minors is quite different and is strictly followed.