Can employers require employees to work overtime?

Yes, employers in Washington may require employees to work overtime. In the state of Washington, employers must follow labor and employment laws set out by both the federal government and the state. Under federal law, employers may require employees to work overtime, as long as they are compensated at the legally required rate. This rate is known as the overtime pay rate, and is one and a half times the regular salary for all hours worked after the employee completes 40 hours in a single workweek. In Washington, there are also some additional requirements for overtime pay. Employers must give at least eight hours rest between shifts, or extra pay for not doing so. Moreover, employees working five or more consecutive days must be given at least one day off per week, or the employee is entitled to overtime pay for that day. In some cases, overtime work is limited by the number of hours an employee may work in a single day or week. Unless an employee is a minor, employers may not require them to work more than 12 hours a day or more than 40 hours a week without giving them additional pay or time off. Overall, employers in Washington can require their employees to work overtime; however, they must still comply with the state and federal regulations regarding overtime pay. If employers do not adhere to these legal requirements, they may face significant legal consequences.

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