So i work for a rather large defense contractor as a non-exempt salaried engineer. Think blue, a star, and “35” and you might guess it. So i work nominal 40 hr weeks. more frequently than normal though, i work 50+ hrs.
After my 40 hrs worked i no longer am paid for the next 5. I “donate” them, or you can call it a pay gate to deter working more than 40 hrs. But the thing is, my employer requires i work more due to understaffing issues. My employer still charges the customer, aka the gov, aka the tax payer, for these 5 hours at an exorbitant rate well above my hourly pay. Ive had to donate countless hours this way. The light at the end of the tunnel is that after this 5 hour gate, i can earn the equivalent in vacation hours (which i never have time to take) .
I've essentially maxed out my other options of earning any type of overtime. So at this point all of my past 40 hours worked (been working 60+ hr weeks for last few months, donating 20 hours a week or so) are going into the void…
I guess my question is: is this legal for the company to do?? I mean this is a massive defense company.. is this just how it's always been?
Edited: cleared up some wording