June 3, 2009
Premium Pay and Forced Overtime
There have been some recent questions about Premium Pay (working on a regularly scheduled day off) and forced overtime.
First of all, Premium Pay: If you are required to work on your regularly scheduled day off, you are entitled to a minimum payment of 5 hours at time-and-a-half. If you work more than 5 hours, the minimum payment jumps to 7 hours at time-and-a-half.
It's guaranteed by the contract (Article II - Hours and Overtime, Paragraph F.) All you have to do is file for it — and do so within 30 days of working the hours. Premium Pay is the right of everyone — regardless of wether you're eligible for overtime or not.
Secondly, Forced Overtime: Our contract does not address the question of management being able to force employees to work overtime, but it is generally true that the reasonable imposition of overtime is a retained right of management. At the same time, unions often have success in arguing that reasonable excuses for not working overtime must be accepted.
The key is always going to be "reasonable."
If you have any questions — or problems — reach out directly to union organizer Tim Martell at the office (609-275-6020.)