Can playing a game of cards that you can drop in a second be reasonably said to not be “engaged to wait”? I mean, they were literally waiting with cards in their hands for something to happen but nothing did. It’s not like they had left the premises, were unreasonably distracted or negligent.
“Engaged to wait” simply means that you aren’t free to leave and must be paid. If you’re required to be at work, you need to be paid - even if you’re killing time playing cards.
Can playing a game of cards that you can drop in a second be reasonably said to not be “engaged to wait”? I mean, they were literally waiting with cards in their hands for something to happen but nothing did. It’s not like they had left the premises, were unreasonably distracted or negligent.
I think you misunderstood.
“Engaged to wait” simply means that you aren’t free to leave and must be paid. If you’re required to be at work, you need to be paid - even if you’re killing time playing cards.
I see, but the other commenter didn’t say that anybody left, that they were only playing cards.
Yes. I’m arguing that denying their pay is illegal.