As workers, we trade our skill and time for money.
When your scheduled shift is over, your obligation to continue working for the company stops, and the obligation of the company to pay you stops as well. However, in the grain industry the car spot dates fluctuate, and companies expect their employees to be flexible on those hours.
In 2019, the federal government implemented changes that stated employers needed to give 24-hours notice of a shift change. Grain companies lobbied that they are not able to abide by these rules, and they received an exemption from the shift change rules (and others). This means they do not have to give you 24-hours notice of a change in your shift.
Standby Pay is part of your collective agreement, and receiving it when you are on standby is your right.
Since the Feb. 2022 implementation above, GSU staff representatives have been fielding calls from members who are tryin to understand their right to receive standby pay during the times they are expected by the employer to be available and willing to come to work.
Simply put, when you are on stand-by, you are in a state of constant readiness to go into the office or be prepared to answer phone or emails as they come in. And when you have been directed to be ready and available for work, you deserve to be paid.
If you are struggling with standby pay at your location, or if you have questions or want to know more, reach out to your GSU staff representative. We would be glad to help.