Are employers allowed to require employees to work outside normal hours of operations?

In Washington, employers are generally allowed to require their employees to work outside of normal hours of operations. This is because Washington is an “at-will” state, meaning that employers may generally set the conditions of employment and the working hours. Washington state law does provide certain restrictions on when and how an employer may require an employee to work outside of normal hours. For example, an employer must ensure that overtime is paid according to the rules set forth by the Washington Minimum Wage Act. Additionally, if an employee is under 18, the employer must also comply with the state’s rules regarding child labor. Finally, an employer must give employees the opportunity for rest periods, meal breaks, or other activities as required by applicable laws and regulations. Employers in Washington must also be aware that if they require an employee to work outside of normal hours, they may need to provide additional safety measures for the employee. This could include providing personal protective equipment, additional training, or different working conditions. All in all, while Washington employers are generally allowed to require employees to work outside of normal hours, they must do so in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Failure to do so could lead to penalties or other legal action.

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