Are employers allowed to set different work hours for different employees?

Yes, employers in Washington are allowed to set different work hours for different employees. Under the state’s wage and hour law, employers can establish different hours of work and different starting and quitting times. This is true even if the different work hours result in employees being paid different rates of pay. However, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) emphasizes that employers must ensure that their pay policies are non-discriminatory. Employers must make sure that any differences in work hours are based on factors like job duties, seniority, skills, and experience. Generally, employers must keep records of the type of work that employees do and the hours they work, including dates and times of work. Employers must also track hours of work for employees who are not paid by the hour, like salaried employees. Finally, while employers are allowed to set different hours for different employees, they must still follow the minimum wage and overtime laws in Washington. For example, employers must pay employees one-and-a-half times their regular rate of pay if they work more than 40 hours in a week.

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Are employers allowed to set different work hours for different employees?

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