I am a new member and this looks like a good forum to ask questions. I am in instructor at a HVAC ( Heating Vent, and Air Condiftioning) Private Vocational school in Los Angeles, CA and I was wondering if comptime is legal? My employer has stated that they will not pay overtime but will pay comptime at a 1:1 rate. Is this legal under California state law? I work M-f 40hrs per week and this would be working an additional 8 hours teaching on a Saturday.

It is legal if you are exempt. As an instructor, my belief is that you are probably exempt. As a matter of fact, an employer is not required to pay you comp-time. So, you are ahead by working for this employer compared to others.

Thanks for replying. I'm not a public school teacher and I have been told that I am not an exempt employee. I'm paid hourly. can you tell me where I can find out if I'm exempt. Thank you so much for your help.

You can read about exemptions at: http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/screen75.asp