At my job I am paid an hourly rate, however I am expected to arrive at least 15 minutes early, and to stay as late as needed. I have been doing this for years. So some days I actually work 8 and a half hours (or more), but my boss only pays me for for 8. For my first two years there was no way for me to even clock in and out (he also told me “some days it's just too busy to take a lunch break” but I can “eat while I work.” Wow, thanks!). When I asked him about the hours he said “oh it all evens out” because sometimes I leave early. But I stay late 5 or 7 times for the 1 time I actually leave a few minutes early because it is slow.
I know this isn't legal but I am wondering what would happen if I would bring these issues up with an employment lawyer? Is it worth my time trying to get that money owed me or would I, after lawyer and court fees, be spending a huge amount of time and effort on very little money? The owner/my boss is very, very wealthy so he could make sure we spend a long time in court. Which makes it even more frustrating- dude you own 10 cars, pay me the $9 for the extra 30 minutes I worked!
The other day on NPR they interviewed a flight attendant who wrote a book on her experiences. She said flight attendants are paid hourly and *only* paid once the doors are closed and they open back up after the flight. How is that legal? I'm not saying they should get paid for the time they are commuting to work…but that seems ridiculous.