Unpaid Time for work related requirements.

[Chamillion]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I have a supervisor that has been requiring us to take these, "knowledge assessments" relating to our jobs. I work Mon-Fri 7a-6p. I told him that in order for me to watch the videos and take the exams I would have to come in early one morning at 6a. His response was, "I'm not paying you that overtime to watch those films." I responded that I would have to take the first hour (7a-8a) to watch the film because I was not doing anything work related and not getting paid for it. He responded that I would be suspended if I came in early to watch the video and put it down on my time sheet. He also stated that I better be on my job by 7am..in other words I cannot utilize the first hour that I am here to watch those videos and take the exams. Isn't this illegal?? What can I do about it if it is?

 

[pattytx]

Assuming you are a nonexempt (generally speaking, hourly-paid) employees, mandatory training it compensable time, whether it occurs during your regular hours or outside your regular hours. Having said that, there is no violation until you actually work the hours, then don't get paid for those hours (including overtime, if applicable). At that point, you could file a claim for unpaid wages with the Texas Workforce Commission.

 

[ecmst12]

Wait where did he say you can't watch the films when you come in at 7? If you can't come in early to watch them and you can't watch them during work time, when does he expect you to do it?

 

[Chamillion]

Thanks folks! I appreciate it a lot. He wants me to come in and do the work off the clock...something I refuse to do. I'll probably take the issue up with a higher authority if I he continues.