Are internships great experience for students or just free labor?

Students and recent graduates often volunteer for internships to gain experience and get their foot in the door of their chosen industry. Unfortunately, they can often find themselves learning very little and simple becoming free labor for the employer. So when should it stop being a “free internship” and become paid labor under the law? Well the general rule is that when it becomes less about learning for the student and more about work the company needs then the company better pay up in accordance with our Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Our Fair Labor Standards Act Lawyers have handled several of these cases.

Attorney Jon Street was recently interviewed about the requirement to be paid for internships. You can watch the interview below:
 

 

If you think you are owed pay for an internship or have other Tennessee Labor Law Question please feel free to contact our office today.