Michigan Labor Law Violations

Summary

In Michigan, its illegal for employers not to pay for hours worked. If an hourly employee clocks in but doesnt work immediately, it could be considered time theft, which employers may take disciplinary action against. However, if the employer knew the employee was clocked in but not working and didnt pay, its wage theft. Misunderstandings can often be resolved through communication with the employer. The employee can potentially face legal trouble for time theft, even if they werent paid for those hours. Its considered fraudulent behavior.

Full Conversation

If someone clock in and didn't work until later and then didn't get paid for the hours that he just sat there and didn't work would he be in legal trouble if though he didn't get paid for those hours
What state are you located in, ****? Labor laws can vary by location.
Michigan
What is the employment status of the person involved? Are they a salaried employee, hourly worker, or contractor?
Hourly
In Michigan, hourly employees must be paid for all hours worked. Did the employer know the employee was clocked in but not working?
Yes
In Michigan, it's illegal to not pay for hours worked. If the employer knew and didn't pay, it's wage theft. Contact Michigan's Wage and Hour Division at *-*-*.
Even if they didn't work when they were clocked in?
Did the employer instruct the employee to clock in and then not work, or was this the employee's decision?
Employees decision
If it was the employee's decision to clock in and not work, it could be considered time theft, which employers may take disciplinary action against.
But the employee wasn't paid for those hours though
What actions has the employer taken regarding this situation?
Nothing
If the employer hasn't taken any action, it's advisable for the employee to discuss the situation with them. Misunderstandings can often be resolved through communication.
Can employee be in legal trouble even if they weren't paid for those hours when they were clocked in and didn't work??
Yes, the employee can potentially face legal trouble for time theft, even if they weren't paid for those hours. It's considered fraudulent behavior.
If someone clock in and didn't work until later and then didn't get paid for the hours that he just sat there and didn't work would he be in legal trouble if though he didn't get paid for those hours
What is the employment agreement or policy regarding clocking in and out at your workplace?
Don't know
Could you please provide the state where you are employed? Labor laws can vary by location.
Michigan
What is the nature of the work and the employee's status (full-time, part-time, contract)? In Michigan, employers must pay for all hours worked, including waiting time.
Full time
What is the employer's policy on paid breaks and idle time? In Michigan, employers are not required to provide breaks, but if they do, breaks less than * minutes must be paid.
Don't know
What is the employer's policy on reporting hours worked?
Don't know any all the policies
What is the employer's policy on clocking in and out?
I don't know
Could you please ask your employer or HR department about their policies on clocking in and out, paid breaks, and reporting hours worked?
No
Are you facing any issues with your employer regarding this matter?
No
Are you asking this question because you're concerned about a potential issue in the future?
Yes
What specific issue are you concerned about in the future?
clock in and didn't work until later and then didn't get paid for the hours
What is your job role and what are your usual working hours?
Cleaning
What is the usual procedure for clocking in and out at your workplace for your cleaning job?
Time you code in and clock in
What is the duration between the time you clock in and the time you actually start working?
8am and *:30am
Are you saying that you clock in at 8am but don't start working until *:30am?
Yes
What is the reason for the delay between clocking in and starting work?
No reason
What does your employer say about this delay between clocking in and starting work?
They didn't talk to me
What actions have you taken to address this issue with your employer?
Nothing
What is the reason for not addressing this issue with your employer?
Legal trouble
What specific legal trouble are you worried about?
Not working when I was clock in
What is your employer's policy on paying for idle time or time spent not working after clocking in?
I have no idea
What is the frequency of this occurrence? Are you regularly clocking in and then not working for a significant amount of time?
* times week
This happened * times every week
What actions does your employer take when they notice you've clocked in but haven't started working?
They didn't pay me for the house that I was clock in and didn't work
What is the total amount of unpaid hours you have accumulated due to this issue?
Probably about * hours
What steps have you taken to resolve this issue with your employer?
Nothing because I might be put in legal trouble
What specific legal trouble are you worried about if you address this issue with your employer?
Not working when clock in
What is the reason you're not working immediately after clocking in?
Nothing
Why are you not starting work immediately after clocking in?
Because I was told not to clock in early
Who told you not to clock in early?
Manager
What was the manager's reason for instructing you not to clock in early?
Cut labor
What is the manager's explanation for not paying you for the hours you clocked in but didn't work?
Because I didn't work when I was clocked in
What actions does your employer take when they notice you've clocked in but haven't started working?
Nothing yet
What is your plan to address this issue with your employer?
I don't know
What is the reason you're not starting work immediately after clocking in?
I told you already there is no reason
What steps are you willing to take to resolve this issue with your employer?
Any steps
Have you considered discussing this issue with your employer or contacting the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for advice?
I don't want to be put in legal trouble so I'm not doing anything.
What specific legal trouble are you afraid of facing if you discuss this issue with your employer or contact the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity?
Not working when clock in.
What is the reason you're not starting work immediately after clocking in?