For what time must an employee be compensated?
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For what time must an employee be compensated?
I work at a private general dentist office as a hygienist. We were asked not to clock in until our first pt is present. If the patient cancels late notice we have to wait for the next patient which can be 30 minutes to an hour. We are allowed to leave but no point we come to work to work. Is this right?
Asked on August 7, 2011 South Carolina
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
An hourly employee must be paid for all hours worked, and "hours worked" includes all hours that the employee must be a work site, whether or not they are "working" at the time. So if you have to be at your place of work for hours a day, you needs to be paid for those 9 hours, whether your working or not (less lunch your lunch period, assuming you are not required to stay at your desk during this time).
Additionally, if you works more than 40 hours in a week, you are entitled to be paid overtime for all hours worked over 40. You may have a claim for unpaid wages and overtime. At this point you should either consult with an employment law attorney and/or contact your state's department of labor.
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