How much notice,if any ? - Employer changing overtime pa

chiefgoobster

Wondering if anyone out there can kindly assist please.

My employer has written (via email) to us stating the payment rate for overtime will change from 1 Sept '09.
In brief it is going to cut Saturdays down from 1.5x to plain rate and
also shaving some of Sunday payments.
Question being is, whilst I realise they can change the guidelines , how much notice, if any, do they have to give ?

I think they are trying to have one over on us earlier then what may be legally(?) expected.

thanks

LittleVoice

Is working on a Saturday or Sunday required or discretionary? That is, are employees required to work overtime or can they refuse?

chiefgoobster

Overtime is on as and when basis - not part of contract.
You put your name down and if they need you , you get it.

I know in this current climate I shouln't be moaning about getting a smidge of overtime here and there , but it's the ' any notice ' bit I'm concerned about.

taylor21_2

Hi

You need to check your contract but Your employer can change your terms and conditions because of business and economic factors if both the employer and employee agree. This is normally done via a consultation process . I can't remember if there is a legal amount of time for this consultation process but in the past I have done it over 13 weeks.

Ensure a collective agreement hasn't already been made by your representatives, i.e your union

chiefgoobster

Thanks for info Taylor21
...our union are about as useful as a cat flap on a submarine.

taylor21_2

lol sounds about right!! Have you consulted them at all?

chiefgoobster

I'm not in the union. It doesn't cost much per month but other work colleagues who are, and have been in schtuk in the past, have used them and they have been of no help whatsoever.

taylor21_2

Sorry to hear that, I have known them to be helpful but more often than not its the opposite
Check your contract and see what it states for overtime/pay etc. then you will have a better idea where to go from there.

fablad75

I'm no expert in employment law, but I honestly can't see what the issue is there. Overtime is voluntary, so of course they can pay whatever they want. It's your choice whether to accept it or not.

I would only see a problem if I signed up for a shift, and they reduced the rate and still expected me to do it.

chiefgoobster

Ta muchly Taylor.
I might just have a go at tomorrows's lottery - win it - then they can ring me about overtime , whilst I am swinging in my hammock, sipping cocktails , in the Seychelles.

taylor21_2

lol good luck!!!