portal-to-portal pay

[ pawr-tl-tuh-pawr-tl, pohr-tl-tuh-pohr-tl ]

noun

1. payment, as to a miner or factory worker, that includes compensation for time spent on the employer's premises in preparation for a work shift, in travel from the entrance to the assigned work area and back, etc.:

   Because workers must change their clothes and pick up tools prior to the work shift, they are demanding portal-to-portal pay.

Word History and Origins

Origin of portal-to-portal pay¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

The $226 million was the largest bill to date that organized labor has tendered industry for retroactive "portal-to-portal" pay.

From Time Magazine Archive

Clemens Pottery Co. for portal-to-portal pay under the 1938 Wages & Hours Act.

From Time Magazine Archive

Steel for back portal-to-portal pay and damages might run as high as $500 million.

From Time Magazine Archive

Though less specific on the wage question, the Steelworkers wanted plenty, e.g.: "substantial" wage increases; union shop with checkoff; a guaranteed annual wage; portal-to-portal pay; a social insurance plan to be paid for by the industry; paid holidays.

From Time Magazine Archive

PORTAL-TO-PORTAL PAY will be increased under a new ruling by the U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive