Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Re: Employer requires employee to perform uncompensated services

This response assumes you work for a California employer within California. It is unclear whether your employer compensates you at an hourly rate or by salary. If you are paid hourly, and your job duties require you to testify in court, your employer probably has to pay you for doing so. Other the other hand, if you are a salaried employee, your full salary is normally paid irrespective of the number of hours you actually work (assuming you are classified as an exempt employee, which your job title seems to imply). Thus, as far as the amount of your salary is concerned, it probably is unaffected by the number of hours you "work" for your employer, either at the employer's plant or the court house. These matters are normally controlled by an agreement reached between employer and employee regarding issues such as amount of compensation, compensatory time off in lieu of compensation, and the like. With respect to work related, required business expenditures by employees, most California employers generally are required to reimburse an employee for all such expenses. Of course, if you have an employment agreement stating otherwise, then the terms of the agreement will prevail unless otherewise deemed unlawful by law. You can always contact the Labor Commissioner or consult with a local employment attorney to determine your rights and your employer's responsibilities under these circumstances.