mandatory event during lunch break

[Michelle Tice]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? Maryland

My employer is having an off-site "potluck" lunch and is making it mandatory for all employees to attend. I'm an hourly employee. I punch out for my 40-minute lunch break and thought this was my time since I wasn't being paid for it. Can I be forced to attend this event?

 

[Beth3]

Yes, you can be forced to attend but they have to pay you for the time if attendance is required.

 

[texaswillie]

Michelle


I know that some events such as you have described do not set well with employees. A "Bona Fide" lunch period should permit the employee to do what he/she wants. In your case you are not getting to do what you would like to do during your lunch period. Attend the "pot luck" lunch and don't use this event for a show down with your employer. It would not be worth it. And lastly, even though you are having to attend, there is a good chance the time would not be considered as working time under federal law.I believe this is "borderline" and certainly the enforcment agency would think likewise. If this was a "single event", that is---- not occurring daily or weekly, then there is little chance the agency would even look into the matter as a complaint.

This is probally not the answer you had anticipated----Good Luck!!