Are employers required by law to compensate for company meetings?

lmnop

Hourly wage earners - yes. Exempt salaried workers - no. The exception to the rule is that hourly workers can't expect compensation for attending (for example) the annual company Christmas Party. In a case like that, if you don't want to go, don't go.

redvelvetflames4ever

Only if they are non exempt employees (paid hourly.) If you are salaried I'm afraid not.

Squat1

It depends.

If your attendance is voluntary, you can go or not go then non-exempt employees do not have to be compensated.

If your attendance is Manadatory, then non-exempt employees should be compensated since this would be considered work.

Classy Granny

If you are on salary no. If your paid by the hour you get your hourly rate plus overtime if required to come in early or stay late.

rwa000

hourly yes , salary no

im not for certain but anything constituting labor is to be compensated

Millie M

The first answer is good. The answer that makes a distinction between voluntary and mandatory attendance is not. You cannot do volunteer work for your employer. The FLSA defines the term "employ" to include the words "suffer or permit to work". Suffer or permit to work means that if an employer requires or allows employees to work, the time spent is generally hours worked.

Broach this topic carefully with management. "I was just curious, is there a reason we don't seem to be getting paid for the morning meetings?" If the answer you get sounds like the matter was just an oversight (unlikely), and there is a willingness to look into the matter and make it right, great.

If they try to tell you that meetings don't have to be compensated, or otherwise do not seem approachable on the issue, let it rest. For now. Keep a record of the meetings: where they were, who attended (first and last name and title), what time started, what time finished, topics covered (just a few words is fine). After you (and, ideally, many people whose first and last names you can provide) have been attending meetings unpaid for about a year, go see an employment attorney. Employment attorneys love unpaid overtime claims against big companies with lots of employees who have been attending regular meetings unpaid. The law permits you to collect unpaid wages going back at least two years from the date a suit is filed, and sometimes three.

Finally, do not assume that because you are "salaried" that you do not have to be paid for overtime, or for meetings. It's more complicated than that. Check out the second link for guidance on determining whether or not you are exempt from overtime requirements. An attorney can help you with this question too.

communityinflorida

I would demand payment from your employer. Call your state employment board or check with the local job service. I would think if you are REQUIRED to attend a meeting for your employers gain, $$$$ should be paid. I know some employers who don't pay. Wonder why they don't get reported if it is a law.

Ed Porter

How much does an employer have to pay hourly workers who are required to return to the office or store and attend a meeting for at least one hour. Does management have to pay for at least three hours or is there limitations or do they only have to pay for the time spent or do expenses have to be compensated?

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