alaska labor law?

Question

is it true that alaska has "mandatory overtime"?...meaning our employers can work us like dogs and its not against the law?

Answer 1

No it is not true -- although it depends what kind of worker you are (hourly or salaried). I don't know Alaska's labor laws, but there are federal laws governing overtime which protect hourly workers.

Here is info from the Alaska Division of Labor Standards and Safety FAQ
:
2. What is the State law regarding overtime?
Most employees in Alaska must be paid overtime compensation for any hours they work over 8 per day or 40 straight-time hours per week, whichever occurs. Overtime compensation is 1½ times the employee's straight-time rate of pay. Some employees may not be eligible for overtime compensation because their employer employs less than 4 workers. Other employees may be overtime exempt because they may fall into one or more other exemptions.

3. Is "comp time" legal?
The short answer is no. Compensatory time off in place of payment for overtime is not legal for private sector employees.

4. How many employees must my employer have before he/she has to pay overtime?
Four or more. An employer who has only three (3) employees, or less, can pay his/her employees straight-time for all hours worked.

5. Do I have to work overtime if I don't want to?
Your employer may order you to work overtime and may discipline or terminate you if you refuse to work it. Your employer must pay you 1-1/2 times your regular rate of pay for hours worked over 8 per day or 40 straight-time hours per week, whichever occurs.

6. Are salaried employees entitled to overtime?
Being paid a salary does not mean that you are not entitled to receive overtime. Some employees are exempt from overtime, such as executive, administrative, and professional employees, as well as supervisors who are employed solely to supervise. Your actual daily job duties and what your employment contract states determine your eligibility for overtime.

Answer 2

Do a google search using the term "FLSA" ... Fair Labor Standards Act.

Answer 3

Aw, poor baby. He could just quit, and that would solve the problem. Instead of whining on here, why not call OSHA, and or the Texas variant of that agency. They actually know the answer to your question.