Can My Employer Force Me to Take Training Without Pay?

There have probably been times when you’ve been asked to take some training at work. For example, if you’ve just been hired at a new job, new systems have recently been introduced at your existing job, or perhaps there have been adjustments to industry standards. Whatever the reason, training can be time-consuming and sometimes tedious, but can your employer ask you to take training without pay? The short answer is no.

Once you are officially an employee, you cannot be forced to take training without pay. If you require training to do your job, it’s your employer’s responsibility to pay you at least minimum wage (plus overtime, if applicable) for your training time. This includes everything from job shadowing on your first day to learning new skills that allow you to perform your job.

What is the difference between mandatory and voluntary training?

When it comes to workplace training, there are two main types: mandatory and voluntary. Mandatory training is required by law or company policy, and employees must complete it to keep their job. Mandatory training ensures that all employees are up to date on the latest safety procedures and laws, which can help to prevent accidents and injuries. Employers are generally required to compensate their employees for mandatory training.

Voluntary training is not required but may be offered by the employer as part of a benefits package and employees can choose whether to participate or not. Voluntary training allows employees to improve their skills and knowledge and can be a great way to further their career. Employers are not obligated to compensate employees for voluntary training.

Can my employer force me to take unpaid training courses?

Many employers offer their employees the opportunity to participate in training courses, either to learn new skills or to brush up on existing ones. While some employers may require their employees to participate in these courses, others may simply offer them as voluntary opportunities. As always, there are some exceptions. Employers are not obligated to pay if:

• You are a potential employee obtaining the qualifications necessary to be considered for hiring
• As a condition of hire, you agree to obtain additional training on your own time at your own expense
• A test or training is given to you as a prospective employee as part of the hiring process
• You request specific training or education (in this case, you and your employer need to agree to determine whether you will be paid for the training time)

If you decide that taking unpaid training is right for you, you may be able to negotiate with your employer, but this should be discussed and confirmed prior to attending any training. To protect yourself from any risks associated with taking unpaid courses, connect with your Teamsters987 Business Agent so they can help you determine whether your employer can force you to take an unpaid training course.

What are my options if I don’t want to take unpaid training?

When workers are asked to take unpaid training, they often feel like they have no choice but to comply. However, workers do have rights when it comes to mandatory unpaid training. First, workers should determine if the training is mandatory or voluntary. If the training is mandatory, workers should check to see if they are legally entitled to be paid for their time. In some cases, workers may be entitled to minimum wage, even if they are not receiving any other compensation. Finally, workers should always keep track of the hours they spend in training. By understanding your rights, you can make informed decisions about whether to participate in mandatory unpaid training.

If you have any questions or need support, our team at Teamsters 987 is here to help. Contact us today for more information.