I work for is a public charter school in Michigan and the school is closing one day for a religious event in another part of the city. The few employees that are scheduled to work have to use their personal or vacation time to get paid for that day. Is this legal?

I work for is a public charter school in Michigan and the school is closing one day for a religious event in another part of the city. The few employees that are scheduled to work have to use their personal or vacation time to get paid for that day. Is this legal?

In my opinion, that doesn't sound legal. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), if an employee is required or permitted to work, then an employer is obligated to pay for those hours worked. You shouldn't have to use your personal or vacation time in order to be paid.

I would suggest calling the US Department of Labor, Wage-Hour Division toll-free information and help line, available from 8am-5pm, at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243). They can give you a definitive answer.

Keep us posted on what you find out!