Don't I Have To Be Paid For "On-Call" Time?

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Don't I Have To Be Paid For "On-Call" Time?

This is not an easy question to answer. Some oncall time is required to be paid and some is not. When trying to determine if you need to be paid while on call, you need to look at your freedom to pursue your own interests while "on call." If you are required to carry a beeper but are free to pursue your own interests, you would not be required to be paid until you had to respond to a call. If you are required to remain at your employer's place of business and are not allowed to pursue your own interests such as reading, visiting with others, listening to the radio, etc., your employer would be required to pay for this oncall time.

Other Pennsylvania Labor and Employment FAQs

Q: What is the minimum wage in Pennsylvania?
A: Minimum wage in Pennsylvania is presently $7.15 per hour.
Q: What Is The Law Regarding Overtime?
A: Most employees in Pennsylvania must be paid overtime compensation for any hours they work over 40 straight time hours per week. Overtime compensation is 1 1/2 times … More
Q: Is "Comp Time" Legal?
A: The short answer is no. Compensatory time off in place of payment for overtime is not legal.
Q: How Many Employees Must My Employer Have Before S/He Has To Pay Overtime?
A: The number of employees has no bearing on the payment of overtime.
Q: Do I Have To Work Overtime If I Don't Want To?
A: Your employer may order you to work overtime. Your employer may discipline or terminate you if you refuse to work overtime. If you are not an exempt employee, your … More
Q: Are Salaried Employees Entitled To Overtime?
A: Just because you are paid a salary does not mean that you are not entitled to receive overtime. Some employees are exempt from overtime, such as executive, … More
Q: Am I Entitled To Holiday Pay?
A: Not by law. It depends on your employer's policy regarding the payment of holiday pay. Example: If your employer has a policy to pay holidays and you are required to … More
Q: Am I Entitled To Sick Leave? Vacation Pay? Severance Pay?
A: There is no Pennsylvania labor law which requires an employer to pay an employee not to work. Benefits like sick leave, vacation pay and severance pay are payments to … More
Q: What Is The Law Regarding Breaks And Meal Periods?
A: Pennsylvania employers are required to provide break periods of at least 30 minutes for minors ages 14 through 17 who work five or more consecutive hours. Employers … More
Q: Can My Employer Change My Rate Of Pay?
A: Yes, as long as you are given prior notice of the change the payday before the time the change takes effect. For example, if your normal payday (the day you are paid … More