Any know about employment laws?

[Takket]

Last week my employer made me travel. They put be on a flight at 6 am, and my return flight the same day got back at 10 pm, 16 hours later. I should add the since they were too cheap to spring for a non-stop flight I had to connect both ways. FOUR flights in one day and I nearly missed my connection in the way home because there were only 35 minutes between flights and my first one was delayed 15 minutes.

But anyway, I charged 16 hours for that day since my entire day was literally either at the airport, on a plane or at the job site.

Is that legit? My boss is actually questioning me on how many hours I charged, which seems to take a lot if gall considering how badly the company inconvienced me! Do I have a leg to stand on? I am an hourly employee nonexempt.

I did not work on the plane.

I found this site but even after reading this I'm not sure!

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/when-do-you-compensate-employees-for-travel-and-commute-time/

[Major Nikon]

1. The short answer is they probably don't have to compensate for anything outside of your normal hours

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c5ddf6d9b62ce5b8f73cb6b6bb14ee2a&node=se29.3.785_139

If you were required to work during your time in travel, such as answering calls, doing work on a laptop, etc., then the time is considered work and you must be compensated if you are non-exempt.

The way I'd probably handle it is to claim the time and let them deny it, but don't complain too much if you only get paid for 8 hours instead of 16.

[elleng]

2. I agree, claiming the time is a good approach.

Employer is not likely aware of CFR, with which I disagree anyway. After all, it also says 'The employee is simply substituting travel for other duties.' Makes no sense NOT to count 'hours as a passenger on an airplane, train, boat, bus, or automobile.'

[taterguy]

3. I know enough to know this is a really stupid place to ask a question like that

[rug]

4. How much are you charging for that answer?

[rug]

5. Assuming you're employed in Michigan, you can start here.

http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-61256_11407_59886---,00.html

Generally, it depends on whether you're salaried or hourly.

[madinmaryland]

6. Are you salaried or hourly?

If you are, then you won't get compensated for it. Since I am a consultant, I do bill my hours including travel for work I do for the company (I am salaried, also). For me, my management has given me comp time, if I have put in a lot of extra hours.