Compare the event or room count with actual hours
Required work does not disappear because it falls outside an assigned shift. For covered, nonexempt employees, setup, cleanup or a meal period spent performing duties can raise hours-worked questions. A quieter shift alone does not show that an employee was relieved of duty.
For banquets, distinguish a compulsory service charge from a voluntary tip. Keep the employer’s explanation of how each amount is distributed rather than relying only on the guest’s receipt.
- Save event schedules, room assignments and pay statements.
- Note instructions to work before or after recorded hours.
- Keep communications about schedule or duty changes.
A medical request needs individual attention
A request to adjust a task or schedule because of disability may require an accommodation assessment. Employer coverage, essential duties, employee qualification and undue hardship matter. Describe the adjustment requested, the response and alternatives discussed; the employer need not always provide the employee’s preferred option.
Common questions
What employees ask us
Is a service charge on a banquet bill necessarily my tip?
No. Federal law distinguishes compulsory service charges from tips. How the employer describes, collects and distributes the charge, along with applicable state law, needs review.
Official information
Content updated October 21, 2026. General information; individual circumstances and applicable law matter.