Are employers allowed to require employees to work more than 48 hours per week?

In Washington State, employers are not allowed to require employees to work more than 48 hours per week, unless the employee is exempt from overtime laws. Employees who are exempt from overtime laws are those who are employed in certain professional, executive, administrative, and outside sales positions, among others. These employees may work in excess of 48 hours per week without any additional pay or benefits. However, even if an employee is exempt, employers in Washington State must still make sure the employee is receiving an adequate amount of rest. Employees must have at least eight hours of rest in between shifts, or the employer may be required to pay the employee overtime. Employers are also required to provide employees with at least one day off every week. Employees who are not exempt from overtime laws may work more than 48 hours per week, but only if the employee has voluntarily agreed to do so in writing. This written agreement must state exactly when the employee will work more than 48 hours and must be signed by both the employee and the employer. In general, it is illegal for employers in Washington State to require employees to work more than 48 hours per week. Employers must make sure that any employee who is required to work more than 48 hours is adequately compensated and provided with proper rest. If employers fail to do this, they may face severe penalties, including fines and jail time.

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