Must we pay for OT that was not pre-approved??

TD

Our company policy states that all overtime must be approved in advance (and in writing) by either the immediate supervisor or the VP of the group.

We have some employees who have just submitted for OT pay, when it was never approved. Although I am sure we probably are obligated to pay them (?) I see this as a disciplinary issue. So, my question is two-fold:

1. Must we pay them?
2. Can we put them on notice that if this happens again, they're in big trouble?

mikicini

Yes ... you MUST pay them for all hours worked...Authorized or not...And, as an aside, non-exempt cannot donate time either. Supervision is key. And yes, you can warn them that this is not acceptable to work without authorization.

sandra_d

Yes, as unfair as it may be, I believe the law is very clear that while unapproved, the overtime must be paid. It most certainly does become a performance management/disciplinary issue - and you may discipline in any manner you choose to that doesn't violate your own policies.

Parabeagle

1. Yes. 2. Absolutely!

Gillian

Yes. Yes.

HS

Ditto here...

First question is an absolute yes, second question is most definitely!!

slogan

1. yes
2. Start climbing the ladder. Verbal warning (with reminder of company policy), written warning (with reminder that next violation can include termination), termination.

Pork

TD: I agree, you must pay the ees: however, as I always post, get HR out of the discipline arena. Discipline is for #1 MANAGERS/SUPERVISORS OF THE EEs doing wrong, unless of course one of your ees is in the group. The keeper of the program is HR; when PR is under the HR's supervision, but the keeper of ee actions belongs to the unit leader and they must be held accountable for their enforcement of company policy and programs. I never participate in the discipline arena, unless I am the appointed Investigated authority with discipline authority. When the HR gets involved, then you negate the role of employee representative and thus you begin to open the door for the need to unionize the company. Pork