If you've ever booted up your computer before clocking in, put on safety equipment before your shift, or sat through a mandatory security screening without pay, your employer may owe you money — and a growing wave of lawsuits is helping workers collect it.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must pay workers for all hours worked. That includes a surprisingly broad range of pre- and post-shift activities that most people never think to question.
Here's what qualifies, whether you're eligible, and how to stake your claim.
What counts as unpaid work?
The FLSA covers more than you might expect. Activities that may qualify for back pay include:
- Putting on or removing required safety equipment
- Going through mandatory security screenings
- Booting up or shutting down work computers
- Walking to or from the time clock
- Attending required meetings or briefings
Some states go even further. California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania have additional wage protections that could strengthen your claim.
What's happening right now
A case currently being considered by the Illinois Supreme Court could reshape what employers are legally required to pay. In Johnson v. Amazon.com Services LLC, former Amazon workers claim they were never compensated for mandatory pre-shift health screenings — and that this time should legally count as paid work.
The key question before the court is whether Illinois's own Minimum Wage Law offers broader protections than the federal Portal-to-Portal Act, which limits which pre and post-shift tasks employers must pay for. A decision in workers' favor could have significant implications across the state.
Do you qualify?
You may be eligible to pursue a claim if your employer required you to complete job-related tasks before clocking in or after clocking out without compensation. This applies to current and former employees.
If you believe you qualify, the process is straightforward. Fill out this form on the Top Class Action Lawsuits webpage — legal professionals will review your situation and confirm whether you're eligible to pursue a claim.
There's no obligation, and you can submit your details for a free evaluation to find out if you qualify.
Unpaid work is happening everywhere and most people don't even realise it. Sound familiar? Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.
