hi, we work at a salon, all commission workers. Recently, we had a mandatory "drugs in the workplace" meeting that we were required to attend without pay....just wondering if this is legal. For some that did not attend, they are now requiring that we pay for the meeting to be held again. Some employees are required to make up time that they marked off in order to be at this meeting. People are in an uproar and confused as to our rights.

Also, during slow times, we are required to stay at work, even if nothing is scheduled on our agenda in hopes of walk-ins. just wondering if this is legal as well. some days, we sit for 6-10 hours with not a thing, and if the boss comes around, are expected to clean, do laundry, etc....I completely understand that we should all want our workplace to be clean, however, some are frustrated that we are doing it for free considering we are: paying babysitters, taking time away from our family, would be able to get a second job, etc., but are forced to sit or clean for free. What are your thoughts?

A mandatory meeting is hours worked. However, if your commissions for the workweek divided by your total hours worked is at least minimum wage, the employer is in compliance and additional compensation is not required by law. If it is not, the employer has to make up the difference.

Regarding the "sitting around and waiting", that too is "hours worked" and the above applies. The fact that it may not be fair not withstanding. Sorry, I'm guessing that's not the response you wanted to hear.