What time is an employee legally required to be paid for?
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What time is an employee legally required to be paid for?
I work at a convenient store. I have to clock out and then count my money drawer. I spend 10-15 minutes each day. My employer also does not may me time and 1/2 for over 40 hours. He carries any time over 40 to the next week and pays me straight time on it. There are no 10-15 minute breaks or lunch which is fine because I don’t want to lose the money by clocking out for breaks or lunch. I don’t need one. I feel this employer is taking advantage of me.
Asked on November 13, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Tennessee
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You have to be paid for all work time, whether or not you clocked out--i.e. you are paid for work you do even after your shift. So if you are counting the cash drawer, that is work, and you must be paid for it. Also, an employer has no right to carry over hours to another week and pay straight time on it--if you are an hourly employee and work more than 40 hours in a week, you *must* be paid overtime for those additional hours. From what you write, your employer is violating labor law; you should discuss the matter with an employment attorney, to see what your case might be worth and your options. Good luck.
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