My employer has set up a system where we work on projects and each of these has a specific budget. When the budget runs out, we stop getting paid to work on that project. We often find ways around this so it isn't always a problem, but last week I was directed to complete several projects with no remaining budget.

I am an hourly employee, and so I am paid for the time I log on these projects. Last week, I logged 34 hours of work, but I will be paid for 17 of it because that's all the budget there is on those projects.

One of my co-workers is also in the same situation. We would both appreciate any assistance you can offer - we need our jobs, but we'd really like to be able to tell our boss, definitively, that he can't require us to work these hours without some compensation.

Thanks,
Frank

NO. If you are in the USA and an hourly employee (timecard) you can not work and not be paid for it.

That's me, USA and I track hours. Thanks! You wouldn't know if any particular part of the law applies here, would you?