We received the following two questions from a couple of our anonymous union members.
“I already put in more than an eight hour day without overtime – now I feel pressured to work even more hours, even though overtime is offered I have other commitments after work. Can the district force me to work more than 40 hours per week?”
“When I was hired (years ago) I was asked to work certain hours and days, now I’m being asked to consider alternative hours and days. Is this allowed based on our contract and state educational law/practice?”
Bill Lokay – CSEA Labor Relations Representative: In regards to working overtime – no, you are not required to and can not be reprimanded for declining overtime/additional work. Only in matters of emergency is it considered acceptable for the district to ask a union member to work beyond a normal 8 hour shift (with overtime pay).
Your second question is a different matter – employers can “negotiate” alterations to a positions work hours. The key word is “negotiate”, which should be a collaborative effort between your supervisor, the union and you.
The CSEA membership, at our June 9 meeting, has ratified the Memorandum of Understanding with the District regarding the Effects of Layoff.
THIS WILL BE VOTED ON AT THE JUNE 9 CHAPTER MEETING