questions & answers

Question: I was hired to work 8:30am to 5pm at a daycare and when i get there if there is not enough kids they will make me wait to start my shift until there are enough kids or work to do, the hours i am waiting are not being paid. I have also got in trouble for leaving the building if i am told i cant start yet. They want me to sit there and wait unpaid for sometimes up to 3 hours. I have brought this up to my manager but i feel they are taking advantage of my age because i am only 19

Answer: Arizona minimum wage laws require employers to pay employees for standby or waiting time because it is time an employee is on duty. Standby or waiting time is time employees are required by their employer to wait for work and are not able to effectively use the time for their own purposes. For additional information, see AZ Admin. Code R20-5-1202(12).