Should I get paid for attending mandatory meetings?
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Should I get paid for attending mandatory meetings?
I work as a personal trainer in TN who is employed through a gym. I am hourly based as well as getting commissions for sales and memberships on the side. I was asked to cancel/reschedule my normal day so I could attend a mandatory meeting. This has happened several times in the past and I have never been compensated my hourly rate to attend or for the consultations I missed and had to cancel/reschedule. Should I be paid/compensated for my time at the meeting since I had to cancel my clients which is how I get paid?
Asked on May 16, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Tennessee
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If you are an hourly wage employee, the time that you spend in a mandatory meeting is compensable work time. Your employer has to pay you for it. Also, if it puts you into an overtime situation, then it has to be paid as overtime pay. Additionally, any such meeting being conducted in an off-site location, must also be paid by your employer. If you are not being properly paid, then you can contact your state department of labor, or contact an employment attorney for help.
Note: If you refuse to attend this training you could lose your job (unless you have an employment contract, union agreement or there is a company policy contrary to this).
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