Hypothetical. Would this be permitted in a US state (or DC), or for that matter, Canadian province, Australian state (or NT and Canberra), New Zealand, UK (including Channel Islands and Man), or EU members.
Let's say an eccentric multi-millionaire wanted to hire 20 people to live in a large building for a year. They have to be in it, or in a large yard on the building’s grounds, for over 6000 hours a year (keeping in mind that a common year (such as 2025) has 24 hrs/day x 365 days = 8760 hours).
While in this building, if they wear anything, they must wear uniforms of a fictional sci-fi story (like Star Trek, Space 1999, or Galaxy Quest) all the time. The uniforms are obvious but not uncomfortable, and are regularly washed. They must wear these uniforms while in the building, on the grounds, or even outside (they can wear less of the uniforms, or wear nothing, for bathing, other bathroom purposes, sleeping, whatever). They have to maintain hygiene. Grooming might be regulated, though probably not. While they have separate cabins, they might be checked for uniformity to the uniform code.
They will be required to improvise act, 6 hours a week, and might be hired to do other work if they wish. For such, they will be paid, say, US$30/hr (or equivalent), but for the rest of the time, they are paid nothing—thus (52 wks/year x 6 hrs/wk x $30/hr =) $9 360 minimally per person.
While in this building—and in uniform—and aside from the 6 hrs a week—they can do pretty much whatever they wish. This includes reading, listening to music (or any other audio), making music (there's a music room with instruments they can use), watching TV (DVDs and the like), talking, lounging around, spending time on computers and taking whatever they make on computers home. Some effort will be made to get them books, audios, and videos that they want, and they can probably bring a few of their own. There is a large rec room with ping pong, air hockey, and pool tables. Outside is a yard, food garden, ornamental garden, where they can practice gardening skills at their will, as well as a lawn, bushy area where plants grow wild, basketball and tennis courts. They get free meals, and some health care costs are covered.
Aside from the aforementioned paid tasks, they will get only $20 000 each for that year. (i.e. $9 360 + $20 000 = $29 360)
Would this be allowed?
Thank you.
Salary also can't be exempt from overtime if the salary works out to less than minimum wage for the hours worked. So only 2080 of the 6000 hours could be minimum wage and the other 3920 would be paid at time and a half.
Yep.