I work as an exempt, salaried sales account manager for a software firm in California. Here is the e-mail we were recently sent:

"It is the responsibility of each individual to speak directly to VP Sales, or company VP

or your direct supervisor if you are going to be out sick.

Unless this process is followed, the time will be considered as UNPAID, not sick time."

Previously, we could call in to leave a voicemail, and send an e-mail to our supervisors with this information. Is this legal under CA law? I've been searching here and the DOL and couldn't find anything specific.

You couldnt find anything because there is no law that forbids this action

That is what I suspected. The more research I do, it looks like we do not qualify as exempt employees for a number of reasons. Can they force us to clock in and out and monitor our time if we are exempt?

Your employer can change your status of exempt or non exempt anytime he wishes unless there is a cba or employment contract that states otherwise

Can they force us to clock in and out and monitor our time if we are exempt?


Yes. The Exempt salaried rules (http://www.dol.gov/dol/allcfr/ESA/Title_29/Part_541/29CFR541.602.htm) cover how an employee is paid, and not much else.