What is required for the hours worked to remain legally compliant during shift changes?

For hours worked to be legally compliant during shift changes, it is essential that payment complies with minimum wage laws. This means that employers must ensure that all employees are compensated at least at the federal or state minimum wage rate for all hours worked, including hours associated with shift changes. Compliance with minimum wage laws is fundamental to labor regulations and is crucial to prevent wage theft and ensure fair compensation for workers.

While rest periods and overtime can be critical components of labor law, they are not the primary requirement for legal compliance regarding the payment for work performed during shift changes. The notion of overtime pertains to hours worked beyond standard labor limits, but all hours—including those during shift changes—must first adhere to minimum wage standards before considering any potential overtime implications.