Working Off the Clock

Is It Illegal to Willingly Work Off the Clock?

The Fair Labor Standards Act states that it is illegal for employees to work off the clock willingly.

It is illegal for an employer to ask or require that you work overtime without being paid for that work.

Even a "favor" or request that you stay on the job, unpaid, is considered a violation of worker rights until all work is complete.

However, some employees may be concerned about losing their job if they refuse to work off the clock illegally. In addition, some employees may not realize that all of the jobs they are fulfilling for their employer should pay for the employees' time.

Employees can perform no work tasks during any period you are off the clock, including during break and rest periods.

Legal Representation in Missouri & Illinois

Were you wrongfully asked to work overtime without payment?

It is essential that you contact an employment attorney from Riggan Law Firm, LLC as soon as possible. By retaining good legal representation, you can have an attorney properly review your situation and ensure that you receive the unpaid wages and compensation that you deserve by law.

Overview of Worker Compensation Laws

Generally, you must be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked and 1.5 times your regular pay rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. If your employer has violated these two basic compensation laws, you are entitled to additional compensation and legal action.

Some examples of overtime requests from your employer that violate employment rights include:

• being required to perform work at home, including email correspondence and voice messages;
• not being compensated for time spent off the shift waiting to be relieved of your station;
• being asked to work overtime without authorization that it would be compensated in wages;
• waiting for a manager to search you to ensure you did not steal property before leaving; and
• not being compensated for time spent in training or meetings.

You Deserve Compensation for Your Work!

If you are performing off-the-clock work or want to learn more about whether the overtime work you are performing is compensable under federal or state wage laws, consult with a Missouri employment lawyer immediately. The legal team at Riggan Law Firm, LLC is ready to assist you in your wage and overtime case, and you can trust that we will do our best to defend your right to compensation.

Speak with an attorney at Riggan Law Firm, LLC at (314) 684-8406 or online here.