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Marko Law Firm

Can my employer make me work off the clock without pay?

No, your employer cannot make you work off the clock without pay. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay their employees for all hours worked, including any time spent working off the clock. This includes time spent performing work-related activities such as preparing for work, cleaning up after work, or attending meetings or training sessions. If your employer is asking you to work off the clock without pay, you have several options for addressing the situation: Speak with your supervisor: Let your supervisor know that you are concerned about working off the clock without pay. Explain that it is against the law and ask them to ensure that you are paid for all hours worked. Review your pay stub and work hours: Keep track of your work hours and compare them to your pay stub. If you notice any discrepancies or unpaid time, bring them to your supervisor's attention. Report the issue to HR: If speaking with your supervisor doesn't resolve the issue, report the situation to HR. Be sure to provide specific details and documentation of the off-the-clock work. File a complaint: If the issue is not resolved, you may want to file a complaint with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division or contact an employment lawyer. In Michigan, the state's labor laws also require employers to pay employees for all hours worked, including any overtime worked. If you are being asked to work off the clock without pay in Michigan, you can file a wage claim with the state's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity or contact an employment lawyer for assistance.

Marko Law Will Give You A Voice

At Marko Law, we don’t just take cases — we take a stand. Whether you're facing an injury, injustice, or outright negligence, our team fights like it’s personal — because to you, it is.

  • Over $500 Million recovered for our clients
  • Proven track record in civil rights, personal injury & workplace justice
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  • Based in Detroit, trusted across Michigan


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