Q: I’m not getting paid (in La.) due to the govt shutdown, yet I’m being asked to do some work without pay. Is that legal?
I work in the state of La. for a large government contracting company. Due to the current government shutdown, a work stoppage has been issued and we’re not getting paid, yet we are being asked to do some work without pay. Is that legal, and are we entitled to compensation for every hour we work without pay. Can it be held against us for refusing to do work when we’re not getting paid?
A: Generally, it is not legal for a company to require you to work without pay. There are some unique aspects to this rule given the government shutdown; however, even the government is required to pay people on time, and the shutdown does not excuse them from lawsuits for unpaid wages. I would need to know more details about the specifics of your claim to give a clear answer. I would suggest contacting a local employment attorney to discuss.
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