San Diego Unpaid Travel Time Claims Attorney
Travel time is often a contentious subject regarding compensation, and many employees don’t know when their employer should compensate them for travel. If your company isn’t paying you the travel time compensation you deserve, you may be missing earnings you didn’t know about. In this case, you should speak with a San Diego unpaid travel time claims lawyer about bringing legal action against your employer.
At Ferraro Vega San Diego Employment Lawyers, we have a proven track record of helping employees get the compensation they deserve. We can help you obtain a fair settlement and hold your employer accountable for their violations of employment law.
Can Ferraro Vega San Diego Employment Lawyers Help With My Unpaid Travel Time Claim?
Our team at Ferraro Vega San Diego Employment Lawyers has years of experience working to settle wage disputes between employees and employers. Our staff has won awards and been mentioned in several legal publications for our work in the field. Our extensive qualifications make us the right law firm for your unpaid travel time claim in San Diego, CA.
What Are the Travel Time Compensation Laws in California?
The California Labor Code Section 2802 discusses travel time and says your employer must compensate you for travel time when you’re completing work for the company. Determining what counts as work and what doesn’t is often the biggest problem in many disputes over travel time compensation.
For instance, if you arrive at your regular worksite and your boss requires you to go somewhere else for a period during the day, your employer should compensate you for the travel time. If you regularly have to drive to different places for your work, such as a reporter going from the office to an event, your employer should pay you for the time you spend going between locations.
Your employer does not have to pay you for your commute to work in most circumstances. The time you spend going to and from the office isn’t part of your workday, according to California law.
There are exceptions to this rule, such as if your employer requires you to take provided transportation to work. If you have no choice and must take a company bus or other vehicle, your employer should pay you for the travel time.
Your employer may also have to pay for a portion of your commute time if you have to do work-related activities during your travel. For instance, if you have to pick something up from a secure location every morning for your job and return it at night, this will allow you to receive travel time compensation.
Travel time may be overtime pay if it exceeds your regular 40 hours in a week.
Does My Employer Have to Pay Me for Business Trips?
Your employer must pay you for any travel time you have during a business trip. This can include the time you spend traveling from one point to another, as well as the time you spend doing travel-related activities, such as retrieving luggage after a flight or checking into a hotel. Your employer does not have to pay you an hourly rate for personal activities like sleeping or eating, but they should pay a per diem for expenses each day.
How Much Should My Company Pay Me for Travel Time?
Your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage while traveling. Your employer does not have to pay your regular hourly rate, and they may also choose to pay you a flat rate rather than hourly for your travel. If you receive a flat rate, it will still have to be equal to the hourly minimum wage.
What Should I Do if My Company Fails to Pay for My Travel Time?
If you believe your employer isn’t paying you fairly or at all for travel time, you need to speak with a San Diego employment law attorney and ask them about filing a claim.
Your attorney will give you an unbiased perspective and tell you if you have a case or if your employer doesn’t have to pay for the travel time. An attorney will also assist you in filing the claim, ensuring you have all the appropriate paperwork and forms filled out. They can also assist you with gathering evidence, negotiating with your employer for a settlement, and representing you in court.
Travel Time Claims FAQs
Q: Does My Employer Have to Pay for Travel Time in California?
A: If the travel time is for work-related activities, such as moving from one job site to another or picking up something for the benefit of your employer, they must pay you for travel time. Your employer does not have to cover your travel time while commuting.
Q: Are There Penalties for Failing to Pay Driving Time?
A: You can file a claim against your company if you believe they aren’t fairly compensating you for travel time. Travel time includes traveling for work duties, and normally, a commute isn’t considered compensable travel time. If you win your case, you may be able to gain unpaid wages for your travel time and payment of any applicable legal fees.
Q: Can My Employer Pay Less Than the Minimum Wage for Travel Time?
A: When traveling for work, your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage. The company does not have to pay you your regular hourly rate and can opt to reduce your pay while on the road. Your employer must inform you of the lower rate before you travel.
Q: Does My Employer Have to Pay for My Commute to Work?
A: There are a few instances where an employer must pay someone during their commute. If your employer requires all employees to take provided transportation to work and forbids other methods, they should compensate you for your travel. Additionally, if you have to pick something up for your company during the commute, they should pay you for the travel time.
Contact the Travel Time Claims Attorneys at Ferraro Vega San Diego Employment Lawyers
Unpaid travel time is a common way California workers are denied compensation. If you travel for work and don’t receive pay, you may have the basis for a claim.
At Ferraro Vega San Diego Employment Lawyers, we can help you with your claim. Contact us today to learn how we can help you obtain your unpaid wages.