I'm a full time hourly employee.

On several occasions with current employer, I have been asked to stay late (past my 8 hr shift) or to finish my 8 hr shift and then return a few hours later to do extra work.

The problem is when Friday arrives (the end of our pay period) they have me leave early that day to keep me right at 40 hrs for the week, hence, not having to pay me overtime.

Can an employer have you work extra hours but then take them back just before the pay period ends to save them having to pay overtime?

Can an employer have you work extra hours but then take them back just before the pay period ends to save them having to pay overtime? Yes and yes.

And, if they can meet their business requirements if they do so, it's a smart business practice.