California wage and hour laws are very clear about a worker’s right to pay for all time performing job functions. California has numerous rules and court rulings on record that expand the rights of employees beyond the protections offered at the federal level.
In some cases, there may be questions about whether an employee has a right to pay for certain job responsibilities. Employers may demand that professionals remain available to call the company back promptly or come in to pick up a shift if needed.
Do workers in California have a right to pay for time when they are on standby or required to call back while off the clock?
Standby time often requires pay
Being on standby or on call for an employer limits what a worker can do during their free time. They may not be able to travel across town to visit family members. They cannot go out for dinner and have drinks with friends. They may not even be able to attend a movie and silence their cell phone for two hours.
The obligation to be available and to limit personal activities for the benefit of an employer can trigger wage rights under current California rules. Hourly employees generally have a right to pay for the time that they are on call and required to respond promptly to employer phone calls or emails.
If an employer refuses to uphold a worker’s wage rights, then legal action could follow that decision. Learning more about California’s unique wage and hour regulations can be beneficial for employees seeking pay and companies trying to remain compliant with unique state rules alike accordingly.