Should I be paid for off-the-clock work?

Yes, employers are required to pay workers for all hours they work. Unpaid off-the-clock work is unlawful under California law.

Employers must pay employees for all off-the-clock work they either knew or should have known about, even if the extra time was not authorized. Workers should be paid for time spent on tasks before or after regular work hours, no matter how short the period is.

Putting on protective equipment before a workday begins, cleaning a job site after clocking out or undergoing security checks at the end of a work shift are some common examples of off-the-clock work. Forcing workers to complete extra work-related duties without pay is a violation of labor laws.

If your employer has made you do off-the-clock work without proper pay, you should reach out to an Oakland employment lawyer. Erlich Law Firm can help you recover the wages you are owed and hold your employer accountable.

Other Unpaid Wage & Overtime FAQs:

• Am I entitled to rest breaks?
• Are employers required to pay mileage reimbursements?
• Are employers required to reimburse employees for work expenses?
• Can my employer fire me for complaining about unpaid wages?
• Does my employer have to give me meal breaks?
• How long do I have to file a claim for unpaid overtime?
• How long does a wage claim take in East Bay, California?
• How much do you get paid for overtime in California?
• Is wage theft a crime in California?
• My employer deducted tips from my paycheck. Is this legal?
• My employer is not paying me correctly; what can I do in California?
• Should I be paid for off-the-clock work?
• What should I do if my employer doesn’t pay me the overtime wages I am owed?
• What should I do if my employer is not paying me my wages on time?
• What types of damages can I recover in a claim for unpaid wages?
• When does my employer have to pay me my final wages upon termination or resignation?
• When must commissions be paid in California?
• Why do I need a lawyer for my unpaid wages claim?