Do Hourly Employees Get Paid for Business Travel?

By Alice Nichols

In the modern business world, many companies require their employees to travel for business purposes. But what happens when those employees are hourly workers? Do they get paid for the time they spend travelling?

The answer to this question depends on several factors. First, it is important to understand whether or not the employee is considered an exempt or non-exempt employee.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), exempt employees are not required to be paid for any time spent travelling. On the other hand, non-exempt employees must be paid for all hours worked, including travel time.

In addition, employers must consider whether or not the travel time is considered ‘work’ according to the FLSA. If an employee’s travel involves activities that are integral and necessary to their job duties, then it may be considered ‘work’ and must be compensated accordingly.

For example, if an employee is travelling in order to attend a meeting or participate in a project related to their job duties, then their travel time should be considered ‘work’ and should be compensated accordingly. However, if an employee is simply travelling from one place to another without performing any work-related activities while they are on their way, then they may not be eligible for pay.

Finally, employers must also consider any local laws or collective bargaining agreements that may require them to pay hourly employees for travel time. These laws and agreements can vary greatly from state-to-state and country-to-country, so employers should consult with legal counsel before making a final determination about whether or not hourly employees should receive compensation for business travel time.

In conclusion, whether or not hourly employees get paid for business travel depends on several factors including whether or not they are exempt or non-exempt under FLSA regulations; if the travel is integral and necessary; and any applicable local laws and collective bargaining agreements. Employers should always consult with legal counsel before making a decision about compensating hourly workers who travel on company business.