******REMINDER******

YOUR PERSONAL OVERTIME PRIMER

Misunderstandings, work pressure and a little false advertising have left some Guild members confused about overtime rules, procedures and rights. Let’s review: (underlined type applies solely to Suburban Writers and Photographers in the PNI Unit.)

1)      The Company can require an employee to work over 7.5 hours (8 hours), but the employee will receive time-and-a-half (1.5 times the regular hourly rate) for ALL time worked past (and including) the first 15 minutes.

2)      Submitting for OT is simple: Just fill out an overtime slip and give it to your supervisor.

3)      Let’s bust this myth once and for all: The contract DOES NOT require prior approval for OT. If you are asked to work later—or earlier—than your regular hours, come back and immediately submit that OT slip.

4)      If working overtime has caused you to lose money for travel or entertainment (i.e.: you or a family member wasted those train tickets or missed the concert), the Company must reimburse you. (You have to tell your boss about the conflict at the time the assignment is made.)

5)      OT must be paid for work over 7.5 hours in one day (8 hours), 37.5 hours (40 hours) in one week, five days in one week or any hours other than your regular schedule. This means that if you work an M-F schedule and are called in to edit a story on Saturday, you get OT.

6)      If you are called back to work after your shift has ended you are not only entitled to OT, but to an extra hour’s pay and travel time.

7)      OT does not apply to out-of-town assignments. For those, you will be reimbursed in comp time. Remember, comp time is calculated at time-and-a-half (1.5 times the hours worked).  SWP receives OT or comp time, your choice, for overtime worked and travel.

8)      If you’re required to work overtime two consecutive hours, either before or after your shift, or if you work 9.5 hours or more without lunch, you are entitled to a meal allowance of $9. Not SWP.

The contracted remedy for dealing with overtime work is overtime pay. By insisting on being paid for the time you work, you prevent the Company from taking advantage of its workers to save money.

Remember, supervisors often receive bonuses for increasing profitability by holding down expenses. If you don’t collect your OT, it goes right into their pockets.

Send your questions and concerns to Voices@Local-10.com

November 8, 2006