In the U.S., regulation of payment for overtime hours is done at the state and federal levels. Because most engineering work is accomplished through projects, it is common for engineers to be asked or required to work overtime as projects near deadlines. Sometimes the overtime is paid at time and a half, sometimes as straight time, and sometimes the engineer's salary is treated as a constant even when overtime occurs. In a particular firm, engineering interns, engineers, and partners may be treated the same or differently.
(a) What are some of the legal and ethical issues that can arise?
(b) What is the law or regulation in your state or home state?
(c) Summarize and analyze an example firm's policies or data on how common the problem is.