Can I be fired for not working overtime?

An employee who refuses to work overtime can be fired. The Fair Labor Standards Act does not specify a limit on the number of hours per week for employees who are 16 years or older.

This issue is often referred to as forced or mandatory overtime. The termination of work can be challenged if the requested overtime is unpaid, in violation of contract or regulations, or poses a safety or health risk.

The FLSA regulations state that overtime hours must be paid at one and one-half times the regular rates. However, employers do not have to pay overtime to exempt employees.