Can my boss force us to take an online course to keep our jobs?
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Can my boss force us to take an online course to keep our jobs?
I work at a restaurant in MA as a server. We make less than minimum wage because we earn tips. Recently our employer decided that we all had to take an online course, which teaches you about how alcohol is made and kinds of liquor, etc. He says that completing this course is mandatory to keep our jobs. The state does not require this course, nor do the feds. We do not get paid for the time needed to study, nor are we given time at work to do so. Can he really hold our jobs over our heads if we don’t complete this online course? Doesn’t he have to pay us minimum wage for the tim
Asked on July 11, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
First you need to read any employee employer handbook and other documentation you might have signed for your employment as to being required to take the course that you boss wants you to take online.
If there is nothing stating that you have to do so, then you do not. If you want to take the course then you are required to be paid for your time to do so by your employer.
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