I originally left this as a comment on a post in this subreddit but it was recommended I make it a post so more people can start to learn their rights as workers. I’m not a lawyer and this isn’t legal advice, I’m just a worker who had to learn their rights the hard way.
I’m gonna put this here in case anyone needs to know it. They legally have to pay you for the time it takes your systems to come on. They can’t force you to come in, off the clock to do so. I only found that out because of a class action against a former employer.
here’s a link to US overtime laws and the type of wage theft that can occur. US overtime laws
Also just to add onto this: employers literally bank on two things:
A) you not knowing your rights
B) you thinking it’s not worth it to stand up for your rights.
If we’re going to get better working conditions we HAVE to fight for them. Talk to your coworkers about your rights, talk to them about missteps by the company when it’s safe to do so. Band together, and stand up stronger than ever.