I am an armed security guard, working for a civilian contractor on a federal contract. My question is in regards to what hours they legally have to pay us for.

I have to be at work at 11:55 to check a weapon, radio and other periferals out of an armory. I do not start getting paid until 12:10. There is a gov't outline as to what the contractor is required to pay. This outline states that employees will be paid for arming, dearming, travel and guardmount times. There is nothing saying specifically that I need to be at work by 11:55 to check out a weapon, but it takes an average of 15 minutes to arm up the whole shift and if we are not armed up and in formation by 12:10 we are considered late. ... whats the legality of this?

Your employer must pay you when you begin to actually perform work, which includes those duties you must perform to get ready for work. Have you asked your employer why you are not being paid for this time?

yes i have. it explained with the statement.. if you work at mcdonalds you put on your apron before you punch in. But last i checked it didnt take someone 15 minutes to put on an apron or have to check an apron out of an armory.

If they refuse to pay this time you can file a claim with the DOL.

is it in writing somewhere, because my boss is extremely retalatory and i guarantee although illegal i would be fired. and id rather fight this while getting a pay check then while paying a lawyer

http://www.dol.gov/dol/allcfr/ESA/Title_29/Part_785/29CFR785.24.htm

thank you, that is exactly what i was looking for