Does the FLSA protect salaried exempt employees from being overworked at all? I was just curious because I just finished a required 17 hour work day after a more than full work week.....plus a few of my coworkers are on about 70 for the week. Just wondering if the FLSA protects us exempt workers at all.
Thanks!
2006-09-29 14:40:33 · 4 answers · asked by Win the West!!!! 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
No. Doctors and other medical staff often work long hours like that.
But you should check your state laws, too. Also, if there's a union there could be limitations. But I'm guessing you're not unionized.
Really it's your choice if you want to keep working there. I know the employer has the advantage, but you may have to take action on your own to make your own life better.
If he needs labor that much, would he really fire you for working only 10 hours a day? Could he replace you in a day? His threat to fire anyone disobeying orders may be a bluff.
2006-09-29 15:23:23 · answer #1 · answered by n0witrytobeamused 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are an EXEMPT employee which means you and those similarly situated are not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
However, excessive work hours can take a toll on health and safety. I would recommend that you (and a co-worker) talk to a supervisor to determine what can be done to reduce the long hours, and therefore the related unhealthy stress. If s/he says that nothing can be done, I would contact OSHA and file a complaint.
The reason that 2 employees talk with the supervisor is that in the event you are threatened with termination, you can file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), since you (and a co-worker) have been engage in "protected concerted activity", safety and health issues affecting all or a portion of the workforce.
2006-09-30 16:27:24 · answer #2 · answered by PALADIN 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Required 17 hours?!!! Seems awful lot!!!
You need to check your State or Municipal laws. Employers must comply, with any Federal, State or Municipal laws, regulations or ordinances establishing a higher minimum wage or lower maximum workweek than those established under the FLSA.
Also, check the US Departmen of Labor web site, they should have a toll free number where you can ask about your State and Municipal laws.
2006-09-29 22:23:24 · answer #3 · answered by I am 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
technically as long as you are paid minimum wage for all of your hours then it is legal...you can search this on www.megalaw.com and then do either a state or federal search.
type in a key word and go from there...this used to be free...I haven't used it in awhile but it is a good site.
2006-09-29 22:17:05 · answer #4 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋