Anderson v. Mt. Clemens Pottery Co

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In Brief

The Court provided that whenever an employee claims that he or she performed off-the-clock work, the burden of proof for determining the extent of wages owed to that employee shifts to the employer.

What Happened in Court

In an early yet historic case arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Supreme Court wrestled with the extent to which preliminary activities should be deemed compensable under the FLSA. It concluded that employees who give up a substantial measure of their time and efforts in preparing to work once on the job site are owed compensation under the FLSA. Moreover, the court concluded that the burden of proof for determining the extent of wages owed to employees who perform work off the clock is properly shifted to the employer.