The answer is yes.
We get this question frequently, and the answer is that your employer has to pay. According to California law, the employer has to pay for the time the employee spends on training plus the cost of the training itself. The law also says that the employee should pay for every meeting, conference, and even company event that is supposed to be fun, like a holiday party. So all the costs related to or hours spent on these activities must be accounted for. Also, if the employee has to buy equipment or material to do the job, the employer must either purchase those materials or reimburse the employee.
There are some exceptions to this rule. But, to be precise, the easiest way to know that the activity or event will not be considered as work hours is if the following statements are true:
- The program takes place outside of regular business hours.
- Attendance is voluntary.
- The program is not job-related.
- The employee does not perform any other work at the same time.
Additionally, suppose the employee is requested to be out of office hours in a meeting. In that case, the employee will be entitled to overtime pay for the time spent attending the meeting or event.
Employment law in California is pretty specific but also complex. Remember, if you are not sure of something in regard to your rights as an employee, you can always call us. We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for what you or your loved ones deserve.
If you believe your employer is not paying you fairly, you should look into it with an experienced wage & hour litigation attorney. Call the Blanco & Arias legal team today for a free consultation.
Find all about our services here: https://www.blancoariaslaw.com/.
