Requiring Mandatory Overtime

Employers generally have the right to require mandatory overtime as needed, and employees usually cannot refuse your request that they work overtime. Some employers will need employees to work mandatory overtime only on an intermittent basis due to business needs, but other employers will require mandatory overtime of employees on a regular basis. There are limitations on mandatory overtime under certain Wage Orders and union contracts. Your organization policy can also place limitations on mandatory overtime.

If you will require mandatory overtime on a regular or even occasional basis, consider making mandatory overtime part of the employees’ essential functions in job descriptions.