Off-the-Clock Work

If you worked, you should be paid. Period.

Off-the-clock work happens when your employer requires or allows you to perform job-related duties without paying you for that time. This practice is illegal—and unfortunately, it’s all too common.

We represent employees in off-the-clock work cases across various industries. Whether it’s a few minutes before your shift, mandatory prep time, or unpaid tasks during your lunch break, we can help you recover the wages your employer wrongfully withheld.

What Is Off-the-Clock Work?

Off-the-clock work refers to any time you perform work-related duties without being paid, either because you were not clocked-in, your time was not recorded, or your employer refuses to recognize certain tasks as compensable.

Examples of off-the-clock work include:

Pre-shift setup: Arriving early to set up before your shift starts.
Post-shift duties: Staying late to finish tasks after you clock out.
Working through breaks: Performing tasks during unpaid lunch or rest breaks.
After-hours work: Completing job-related paperwork at home.
Unpaid travel time: Required traveling in a company vehicle to or from job sites without compensation.
Mandatory meetings: Attending unpaid work-related meetings or trainings.

Whether your employer explicitly directed you to work off-the-clock or simply “looked the other way,” you have rights under the law.

The Law Protects You

Under both the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act (PMWA), employers must pay non-exempt employees for all hours worked, including overtime after 40 hours per week.

Therefore, it is illegal for employers to force or pressure employees to work without pay, fail to record work performed outside scheduled shifts, or require unpaid “volunteer” time for mandatory tasks.

Employers often try to justify off-the-clock work with excuses like, “It only took a few minutes,” “We don’t pay for lunch breaks,” or, “You need to get a head start before your shift.” But if your employer is aware that work is being performed, you must be paid.

Even if the off-the-clock work seems minor, it adds up—and the law is on your side.

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Who is Most at Risk for Off-the-Clock Violations?

Off-the-clock work violations can happen in any industry, but we frequently see violations among:

What are Your Rights if You’ve Worked Off-the-Clock?

Employers who violate wage laws can be held liable for:

You may also be able to pursue or join a class or collective action lawsuit if others were affected by the same policies.

You Deserve to Be Paid for Every Minute

If you’ve been required to work off the clock, we’re here to help. We will review your work and pay history, identify potential wage violations, explain your legal options, and fight to recover the compensation you’re owed.

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