Clocking Out For the Bathroom? [Opinion]

I say NO! In fact, just the thought of that question is a little ridiculous and one company just found out how stupid that thought really was.

A company that publishes business newsletters in Pennsylvania has to pay about $1.75 million to thousands of employees who had to clock out while going on short breaks, including for the bathroom.

A federal judge has given the U.S. Department of Labor and the Malvern-based company, American Future Systems Inc., until Thursday to submit proposals on how to manage the payment process.

The Department of Labor filed a lawsuit in November 2012, claiming the company violated the federal Fair Labor Standards Act because employees weren't earning the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour when the company required them to clock out for breaks.

The law doesn't require companies to give workers personal breaks. But if it does offer breaks, it must pay workers for them.

I would flip a lid or two, no pun intended, if my employer required me to clock out to use the bathroom. I mean really, how petty can one get? This is beyond stupid in my opinion.

What do you think? Should employers be allowed to make you clock out to use the restroom?

Tell me your thoughts at 406-248-5665.