Docking 3 Hours from Salaried Exempt EE??

[gryndor]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? AZ

I am working as a salaried-exempt employee at a company, and have just passed my 90-day probationary period. I now have benefits and good thing too because I needed to get an old injury looked at.

I made an appointment and informed my bosses. I took off at 2pm for my appointment, and when I got back the next day my boss pulled me into his office and explained to me that I need to either make up the hours I missed from taking off early the day before, or that they were going to take three hours off my next check.

(I know that being salaried-exempt is not something that can just be declared, and is something that is tied to your actual job description, but let's assume I am... otherwise this would be a different conversation about overtime hours, etc.)

Now, I was under the impression that if I took the entire day off, that I would lose that day, but just a couple hours? Especially when I'm "expected to work 50-55 hours/week"? I've been reading the on DOL website and in other posts on this site, but I haven't seen consistent information (or CLEAR in the case of the DOL website).

What would salaried look like if not for the same amount every pay period?

I really appreciate it,
Gryn

 

[xylene]

Tell the boss you will make it up?

I am not sure what is wrong with that.

 

[davidmcbeth3]

cannot dock an exempt employee ... just make up the hours

 

[Beth3]

Now, I was under the impression that if I took the entire day off, that I would lose that day, but just a couple hours?

Your understanding is correct. If you take a full day off for personal reasons, they can dock you a day's pay but your pay cannot be docked for partial days of absence (unless it's FMLA time which doesn't apply here.) Your employer can require you to make up the time or require you to use any paid time off benefit they offer (e.g. vacation.)

Personally I think it's just plain dumb to make a fuss about an exempt employee a week missing a couple of hours of work for a doctor's appointment who routinely works 50+ hours a week but it's not illegal. They cannot dock your paycheck for the absence though.