Members at Country Elevator locations are under constant pressure to make themselves available “in case” car loading becomes necessary during time off shift or on weekends. This can result in working excessive hours on days off, or being unable to do the things you want and need to do with family and friends.
The Company does not own your time while you are away from work. You are not obligated to “hang around” in case the cars show up. Your time off is yours and you are not required to put your life on hold just in case the railway decides to spot cars.
GSU has bargained provisions to help ensure you get the time you deserve and are entitled to. Check your Local agreement or contact your GSU staff rep for the provisions that apply to you.
- The first provision is stand by pay. Employees who are required to “stand by” and be ready to report for work must be paid 1.5 hours for each eight hour period or part thereof that they are required to stand by. If your days off are Tuesday and Wednesday, and you are told on Monday at the end of your shift to “stand by” then you are credited with 1.5 hours worked for each eight hour period or part thereof for the entire time you remain on call. If you are not on call, you don’t have to answer the phone.
- The second provision is the rule regarding maximum hours of overtime required. Employees are not required to work more than 12 hours in any one shift, nor more than 8 hours of overtime in a one week period. The week starts at 12:01 am on Sunday morning, and ends at 11:59 pm on Saturday night. If you work 12 hour or 13.3 hour regular shifts, you are not required to work after your shift. On 8 hour shifts you have the right to go home after 12 hours. No one has to work more than eight hours of overtime in a week.
Your health, safety, and family time are at stake.
Do you have questions about your collective agreement or an issue in your workplace?
Don’t be shy! Contact your GSU staff rep. Their services are provided to you as part of your union dues and there is no additional charge for assisting you. Your inquiry will be treated with strict confidentiality.