Understanding Your Rights to Compensation for Non-Working Hours

At Merrick Law Firm LLC, we believe it is vital for you to know when you're entitled to remuneration for time spent off the clock. Federal law stipulates that employees deserve compensation for periods they are under an employer’s directive or are providing a benefit to the employer, even if it doesn't involve their typical work duties. This usually excludes your daily commute but encompasses other instances where your time is not your own.

Discover scenarios in which you should be paid, even when you're not actively engaged in job tasks.

Staying on the premises while waiting for an assignment? Your employer is required to compensate you for this period regardless of whether you are performing actual tasks. If you're on-call in a location away from your job site, you must be paid for the time in which your freedom is considerably restricted. For example, if you must remain near your workplace and are unable to partake in certain activities like consuming alcohol, and get summoned to work regularly, you're likely due payment for those on-call periods.

If your role permits sleeping on the clock, you're owed wages for this time. For shifts longer than 24 hours, an agreement can be made with your employer to designate eight hours for breaks and sleep without pay, provided you manage to get at least five hours of rest. If work demands interrupt this duration or prevent adequate rest, you should receive payment for the full eight hours.

Daily commutes may not count, but travel as part of your job responsibilities does. This includes trips made to service clients or urgent travel required by your employer, including transportation arranged from a central point to a worksite. These instances warrant compensation.

When your job necessitates attending training or educational events, your employer must pay for your time, encompassing travel to locations away from your primary workplace.

Your right to breaks varies by state laws, determining if these should be compensated and the minimal duration offered. If duties are carried out during breaks, like answering phones or manning a desk, this time must be compensated.

For a deeper understanding of federal wage and hour regulations, please refer to the U.S. Department of Labor at www.dol.gov. Further information on state-specific protections can be obtained via your state labor department.

For tailored advice reflecting the latest legal developments, Merrick Law Firm LLC invites you to consult with our attorneys. The guidance offered here is informational and should not replace the personalized assistance of a legal professional. As laws evolve, we're here to ensure your situation receives a thorough assessment, in line with current legal standards. Contact us at (312) 269-0200 for legal support that puts your rights first.