If I get paid $15 and hour, is it legal if my boss wants to pay me only $10 for mandatory meetings?
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If I get paid $15 and hour, is it legal if my boss wants to pay me only $10 for mandatory meetings?
Asked on February 10, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Oregon
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
As long as your compensation meets at least the stated minimum wage in your state, it is legal to pay you less than your regular hourly rate. The fact is that employers can choose to pay different rates for different job duties (i.e. attending a meeting). Accordingly, unless this action violates company policy or the term of a union agreement or employment contract, it is legal. Also, your treatment must not constitute some form of actionable discrimination. The fact is that in an "at will" work arrangment, an employer can set the conditons of employment much a sit sees fit or deems necessary.
Note: If you are a non-exempt worker, to the extent that your attendance at these mandatory meetings puts you over 40 hours for the work week, it must be paid as OT.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Yes, it is legal, unless you have a written employment contract to the contrary, guarantying your $15 per hour rate. Otherwise, while uncommon, it is legal for an employer to pay different rates for diferent aspects of the job (such as for meetings) as long as all rates equal or exceed minimum wage.
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