What situations are considered on duty waiting time?
Some positions in certain business environments require employees to wait between job duties. For instance, receptionists might be asked to remain at their desk when waiting for calls or emails to come through. Employers may be tempted to reduce pay at these times, during which it appears employees are not performing compensable work, but they should make sure they understand what's required by the Fair Labor Standards Act first.
Employees are guaranteed wages for all of their hours worked. In certain circumstances, this might include on duty waiting time. If employees are not allowed to use their time however they would like, cannot leave the premises or are under the control of their employer, their waiting time is likely considered on duty, and is therefore, compensable.
The U.S. Department of Labor lists firefighters, auto repairmen and waitstaff members as examples of employees who might fall under this category. These workers might be forced to wait for an alarm to signal an emergency situation, a customer to bring a vehicle in or a patron to enter the restaurant before they can fulfill their normal job duties.
The FLSA maintains that if workers engage in other activities while they wait, such as reading a book or filling in a crossword puzzle, this employee attendance must still be tracked and paid.
Employees are guaranteed wages for all of their hours worked. In certain circumstances, this might include on duty waiting time. If employees are not allowed to use their time however they would like, cannot leave the premises or are under the control of their employer, their waiting time is likely considered on duty, and is therefore, compensable.
The U.S. Department of Labor lists firefighters, auto repairmen and waitstaff members as examples of employees who might fall under this category. These workers might be forced to wait for an alarm to signal an emergency situation, a customer to bring a vehicle in or a patron to enter the restaurant before they can fulfill their normal job duties.
The FLSA maintains that if workers engage in other activities while they wait, such as reading a book or filling in a crossword puzzle, this employee attendance must still be tracked and paid.
All data and information provided on this news blog is for informational purposes only. Infinisource makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. Information regarding employment suits and other legal action is not updated after publication, and may not be current.