Workers in Oregon likely already know that they are paid for the time spent at work from when they clock in until they clock out. However, there are certain activities some workers do on a day-to-day basis in the course of their job duties that employers also must compensate them for.
What activities must an employer pay workers for?
Employers must pay workers for the time spent preparing for work, such as setting up their work station or putting on protective clothing. Similarly, employers must pay workers for the time spent winding down their work, such as cleaning their work station or dropping the employer’s mail off at the post office.
When is travel paid for?
If a worker is required to attend job training, lectures and work meetings, they must be compensated for this. If a worker is waiting on the job and cannot use the wait time for their own purposes, they must be paid for this. However, employers need not pay workers for waiting if the worker has been relieved from their job duties and can use the time for their own purposes.
Are workers paid for being on-call?
If a worker is on-call they will only be paid for the time actually spent at work. Workers cannot be paid for the normal time it takes them to travel to and from work, but if travel is part of their job description, they will be paid for this travel. If a worker is permitted to sleep at work and is on duty for less than 24 hours, they will be paid for the time they sleep. However, if a worker is permitted to sleep at work and is on duty for 24 or more hours, the worker and employer may make an agreement in which meal and sleep breaks of up to eight hours will be unpaid.
Learn more about employee rights
It is important that workers in Oregon understand their rights under the state’s wage and hour laws. This post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Our firm’s webpage on employment law may be of use to those who want to learn more about this topic.