Are there any restrictions on work hours outlined in an employment contract?

Yes, there are restrictions on work hours outlined in an employment contract in Washington. Generally, employers in Washington must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA outlines the federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, as well as the maximum number of hours an employee can work in a week. The FLSA requires employers to pay non-exempt employees a minimum wage of $13.50 per hour, and overtime pay of one and a half times the regular hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. In Washington, employers can create and enforce specific work hour policies as long as they comply with the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the FLSA. A requirement to work more than 40 hours a week may be included in an employee’s employment contract. However, employers must provide the employee with overtime pay if they actually work more than 40 hours in a week. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has set specific restrictions on hours of work for certain hazardous industries. This includes specific regulations regarding meal and rest periods as well as shift lengths. Employers who fail to comply with these regulations may be subject to civil penalties. When creating an employment contract, it is important for employers to consider the specific work hour restrictions for their industry and for the individual employee. To ensure compliance with the law, employers must make sure any work hour restrictions in their contracts are in line with the FLSA and any applicable state laws.

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Are there any restrictions on work hours outlined in an employment contract?

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