EmploymentQuestion 984 of 1605
A foreman tells workers to clock out at 5:00 p.m. but then keep cleaning tools and loading the truck for 20 more minutes 'off the clock.' How must this time be treated?
a.As a permissible rounding adjustment
b.As compensable hours worked; the employer must pay for all time it suffers or permits the employee to work
c.As the employee's personal choice
d.As unpaid volunteer time
Explanation
Under California's 'suffer or permit to work' standard, all time an employer knows or should know the employee is working must be paid, even if the worker is clocked out. Requiring or allowing post-clock-out cleanup and loading is compensable 'off-the-clock' work. Failing to pay it violates minimum-wage and overtime laws and can support waiting-time and wage-statement penalties.
Law Reference: Off-the-clock work; hours workedPractice all 1605 questions free — no signup required.
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Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)