Is it legal if my employer does not pay for training hours?
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Is it legal if my employer does not pay for training hours?
I am refusing to do the training unless I get paid for the hours. Now they are threatening to withhold my check. Is this legal?
Asked on September 23, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, Minnesota
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
No, it is not legal. Employer provided or mandated training as opposed to professional development or education which you voluntarily choose to take, to improve your career prospects is work, and employers must pay hourly employees for all work they do. If you are an exempt salaried employee and are already working, they do not need to pay you above and beyond your normal weekly paycheck for training. If you are hourly and have to go to training, your employer must pay you. They also may not withhold your check. If they fail to pay you for hours worked including training or withhold your check, you could file a wage-and-hour complaint with the department of labor and/or speak with an employment law attoreny about a possible lawsuit or simply bring your own suit, as your own attorney or "pro se," in small claims court.
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