Is it illegal to have a worker come in and work for just a 15 minute shift?
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Is it illegal to have a worker come in and work for just a 15 minute shift?
I work for my city and I get these shifts where I have to close a facility and it only takes 15 minutes. The problem with this is I only get paid for these 15 minutes I was at work. It costs more to drive to work than I get paid for the 15 minutes of work.
Asked on June 25, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Yes, it appears to be legal in your state: your state does not appear to have any laws setting a minimum shift length or durartion (unlike some other states, which do), which means that even if it is economically bad for you, your employer can all you in for just 15 minutes. You may need to look for other employment if this happens often enough as to make the job not worthwhile.
Unfortunately, except when you have an employment contract, employment in this country is "employment at will." That means that your employer decides the hours you work.
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