Uncompensated Work Outside Working Hours in California
Have you ever been tasked by your employer to perform job duties off the clock? This encompasses any work you’re required to do before or after officially clocking in or during unpaid breaks. Attorney Douglas Han from Justice Law Corporation in California sheds light on the matter, stating, “Employees often find themselves uncertain about whether they should be paid for certain off-the-clock activities, or they may not even realize they are engaging in such work. For instance, if an employer mandates the wearing of protective equipment before clocking in or its removal after clocking out, that qualifies as off-the-clock work.”
Engaging in this kind of off-the-clock work not only contravenes California’s state laws but also violates the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) at the federal level. Employers subjecting their workers to off-the-clock work may face legal repercussions in wage and hour lawsuits. While working a few extra minutes off the clock might appear inconsequential, it is crucial to compensate employees for every minute worked to prevent employers from exploiting off-the-clock practices to evade minimum wage or overtime payments. Additionally, Douglas Han emphasizes, “Even if the time involved seems minimal, a few minutes each day can accumulate significantly over time.”
Numerous examples illustrate common off-the-clock work practices across all industries. Douglas Han, Partner of the Justice Law Corporation, highlights instances such as preparing tools or paperwork before the official start of a shift, post-work cleanup or disposal of trash, and the use of timekeeping systems that round start and stop times. Employees can seek recourse for lost wages or file a wage and hour lawsuit for any such actions.
If you believe you have been unjustly denied wages for a substantial amount of off-the-clock work, it is advisable to explore reputable workers’ compensation law firms. A competent attorney can present your case in court based on relevant laws and evidence gathered from your records. Please consider the Justice Law Corporation headquartered in Pasadena, California. Also check these related social media posts 1, 2, 3.