Pay for time punched in but not working
FU
1 Post
Employees often punch in prior to the start of the work shift. They do not commence actually working until the shift begins (i.e., ee punches in at 6:45am, reads newspaper for 15 minutes, then commences work at 7:00am - the start of the shift). Are there any requirements or restrictions regarding paying employees for that time for which they are punched in but not actually working?
Comments
The recommendation he used was to use the "7-minute rule" and not allow EEs to punch in any earlier than 7 minutes before the start of the shift and roll the clock up to the next hour.
The company is manufacturing and had a practice of allowing employees to punch in early, sit around etc before starting. When I started I recommended stoping this practice due to the burden of proof if challenged. Didn't happen till the ex EE raised an issue.
Needless to say the policy was changed - can't punched in any sooner than 6 minutes to shift start, if it occurs it is addressed immediately.
My feelings on this - better safe than sorry. Good Luck.
I'm hoping your screen name stands for Freddie or Fannie Underwood or something like that...