What are the rules for paying employees for work-related travel?

In Maryland, the rules for paying employees for work-related travel are determined by the Wage and Hour Law. The Wage and Hour Law states that employers must pay employees a minimum wage of at least $11.00 per hour for all hours worked, including travel time. In addition, employers are required to pay employees the same rate they would pay for regular, on-site work for all time spent in travel-related activities, such as waiting for a plane, train, or bus, taking a rest break during travel, or completing paperwork related to the travel. For travel occurring within the state, employers must pay their employees an amount equal to at least one and a half times their regular rate of pay for travel time occurring outside their regular work hours. For travel occurring outside the state, employers must pay their employees an amount equal to at least double their regular rate of pay for travel time occurring outside their regular work hours. In addition, employers must reimburse employees for out-of-pocket expenses related to their job duties, such as transportation costs or meals. The employer must also pay for all necessary lodging and meals while the employee is traveling for work, as well as any additional expenses related to the travel. Finally, the employer must pay for travel time due to delays or cancellations that are outside of the employee’s control. This includes any time spent in extended wait times, missed connections, or unexpected delays such as weather or traffic.

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