Is there a law that states an employee must get paid for training?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Is there a law that states an employee must get paid for training?

If so, what is it? I worked a week of “training” equivalent to 57 hours. I say “training” because they, the owners, would leave me in the store alone for long periods of time. Often the whole day with no word from them at all. I did everything I was told, opened the store at the proper hour and closed as I was supposed to. Now come time to get paid they said. The first week is free right? I did not work for free, nor did I sign any document stating I would work for free. They have not so much as gotten my social security number or anything of that sort. I told them I did not work for free and they said we will talk about it later. What should I do?

Asked on September 1, 2014 under Employment Labor Law, Texas

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

No, the first week is NOT free; if you actually did work for them, as it appears you did (e.g. opening and closing the store; minding or monitoring the store), you must be paid for the work at minimum wage or better. Indeed, working 57 hours means you should have gotten 17 hours at overtime rates. If they will not pay you voluntarily, you could file a complaint with your state department of labor or sue them (such as in small claims court) for the money.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption