Consider the following questions and give your responses.

1. Minnesota Statute §177.25 states that "[t]he states of Minnesota or a political subdivision may grant time off at the rate of 1-1/2 hours for each hour worked in excess of 48 hours in a week in lieu of monetary compensation." In other words, if you are a public employee you can be given comp time in place of overtime pay. Should private sector employees be allowed to use comp time to meet their overtime pay obligations? What are the potential benefits? Potential problems?

2. There are many cases of serious wage and hour violations by employers, particularly in the retail sector

3. These cases feature employers failing to provide breaks; pressuring workers to underreport hours of work; requiring that work be performed both before and after shifts; and shaving time, the practice of deleting work hours from computerized payroll records.

Is this any different from stealing from the employees?

Is there any justification for such acts?

What type of penalties would you impose against employers who engage in such practices?

Please write not less than 500 words and give some references?