Can employers require employees to work off the clock?

No, employers in Washington cannot require their employees to work off the clock. This is in accordance with labor and employment law. Employers are required to pay their employees for any hours they spend working and they cannot require employees to work off the clock, even if the employee is willing. This is because of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which states that employers must pay employees for any hours worked beyond 40 hours in a week, and they must pay them at least the current minimum wage. In addition, employers cannot have their employees work before or after their shifts to avoid paying overtime. This is known as "time shaving" and is illegal. Employees must receive overtime pay for any hours they work beyond the standard 40-hour work week in Washington. Employers in Washington are also prohibited from having employees alter work or time records in order to avoid paying overtime. Employers that have employees clock in and out of their time cards must ensure that this is done accurately and that employees are not required to work off the clock. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries enforces the labor laws in the state and employers that violate these laws can face serious penalties, including civil and criminal penalties. Therefore, employers in Washington must adhere to all laws regarding labor and employment and cannot require their employees to work off the clock.

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