You like your job and working hourly is not too much of an issue. You get a break or two every day and you enjoy taking a brief recess from you work.
However, recently there have been training sessions and meetings you have feel obligated to go to or are required to attend that are scheduled during your breaks. They seem to be essential as they provide valuable information but you do not like giving up your few breaks during the day.
It might make the meetings and training more bearable if you were compensated for your time. Is there any obligation for your work to pay you for training or meeting times?
When should training be compensated?
Fortunately, there is a simple regulation that should apply to this type of situation. There are four requirements that must be met for activities such as meeting and training to not be compensated. In other words, your employer does not need to compensate you for extra activities if they meet all four of the following requirements:
- Activity (lecture, meeting etc.) is outside of regular hours
- Attendance is not obligated
- The activity is not directly related to your job
- You are not required to complete any sort of work during the activity
This means, if the training or meeting is essential in providing information to doing your job, you should probably be paid for your time. For example, if the activity includes training for a certain computer program you are required to use for your job, you should be paid for your time in this training.
Additionally, if these trainings or meetings are scheduled during the day, such as during a lunch break, this is a pretty compelling indication that you should be paid for this time, since it is during normal working hours.
Now that you know the basic rules for compensated activities, what should you do with this information?
What should you do?
If you think you are not being fairly compensated for your time at your job, you may want to take action. Examine the activities your employer wants you to participate in and see if they fulfill any of the four requirements for compensation. If you believe these regulations apply to your situation you may want to seek out a way to be properly paid for your time.
