If you aren’t being paid for time spent in security screenings, health checks, or any other off-the-clock work, you may be owed for unpaid back wages.
If you work in Colorado, you should be aware of an important issue regarding the time workers spend waiting for and undergoing security and/or Covid-19 checks. These checks commonly occur while workers are “off-the-clock”, before and after shifts start and end.
Under Colorado state law, workers are entitled to be paid for every minute of the time spent waiting to undergo and clear pre and post shift screenings.
While each screening may only involve a few minutes, the time (and unpaid wages – including overtime) can add up. In a recent case, Amazon warehouse workers recovered $13.5 million for the time they spent on premises waiting to clear security and bag checks.
If you are not being paid for every minute you are required to be on your employer’s premises, you may be entitled to additional compensation for this off-the-clock time.
Unpaid Work can Include:
- waiting to undergo, and undergoing security screenings or bag checks
waiting to undergo, and undergoing Covid-19 screenings such as tests and temperature checks - boot up, sign in and download time spent prior to being “clocked in”
“clocking out” before spending time shutting down programs and logging out
waiting on work assignments while at work premises - receiving or sharing work-related information – pre/post shift “relief time” driving to/from home in a company vehicle if you do some work/start working before leaving home, talk/text for work while driving or continue to perform work tasks after arriving home
- walking, riding and traveling to and from the actual place of work (required to park in remote lot and take a bus)
- changing in/out of required work clothes
- sending/receiving work related emails and texts or using employer smartphone apps while “off the clock”
- checking voicemail or emails at the start of the day; time developing a plan, schedule, or route for the day; time reading or completing required paperwork; or time loading or stocking equipment
If you have not been paid for all of your work time or have questions about whether you’re being compensated properly, contact us for a free and confidential review of your situation.
