We have recently become aware of systemic issues with Overtime across many departments. There is a grievance for the egregious activities of one department in particular. Clause 12.6 in the Collective Agreement (CA) addresses the rights and responsibilities you have with regards to overtime.

If your supervisor/manager/department head/assistant department head says that they need you to work overtime this Tuesday and that you will work 3 hours overtime in addition to your regular 7 hour shift and at a later date you will have earned 3 hours that you can take in lieu–they’re stealing your wages! You are entitled to earn that 3 hours at time and a half so 4.5 hours of time in lieu OR 4.5 hours payment!!!

If your supervisor/manager/department head/assistant department head says that they need you to work overtime this Saturday and that you will work 7 hours overtime in addition to your normal week shift and at a later date you will have earned 7 hours that you can take in lieu–they’re stealing your wages. You are entitled to earn that 7 hours at double time so 14 hours of time in lieu OR 14 hours payment!!!

There are so many ways supervisors/managers/department heads/assistant department heads can find to manipulate and coerce you into accepting less that you are entitled–and for something that is clearly spelled out in the CA. Common excuses we’ve come across:

“the department budget can’t afford the overtime”

“we can’t let Finance/the Dean/Director know”

“there’s a permanent job coming up and team players will be getting the permanent job”

“there’s a faculty job coming up and team players will be getting the faculty job”

There are no private deals between members and their supervisors. The Union is the sole bargaining agent. Overtime is clearly laid out in the CA. If you are working unreported overtime immediately start completing the Overtime form. Tell them your Union and the Employer REQUIRES the Overtime form to be completed as was agreed to in the CA–and for liability reasons!  Please contact a shop steward should you need any assistance going forward.