Top Ten Contract Articles - Article 7
Article 7 describes hours of work, the rights of employees and the limitations on OHSU. In this article the goal of our union, generally, is to provide members with tools to obtain the most predictable and consistent work schedule possible. This is important to maintaining a good work/life balance. OHSU feels economic pressure to keep staffing as low as possible in order to control labor costs; its interest is to be able to move employees around and change schedules to meet workload needs. When OHSU talks about “flexibility,” this is what they mean.There is much in this article that we won’t be able to cover in a one-page tip sheet, but here are the most important highlights (along with the number of the section of our contract where the language appears):
- It’s possible to place employees on recurring 8-, 10- or 12-hour days. Any regular shift longer than 12 hours cannot be imposed without the consent of the member and our union. [7.2.1]
- Currently, split shifts are not allowed. If OHSU wants to start using split shifts, it must bargain with our union. [7.2.2]
- Alternative schedules to meet special needs are permitted if the employee and OHSU agree. [7.2.3]
- Flexible start and stop times may be available if the member and OHSU agree to a waiver of daily overtime. These waivers are strictly voluntary and are not/may not be required by the employer. The waivers may also be withdrawn at any time by either party. [7.2.4]
- Work schedules must be posted 28 days in advance. Once posted, they may not be changed without written notice to our union and the member. [7.2.5 – 7.2.7]
- Part-time employees may not work more than 8 consecutive days except during unforeseen circumstances in which they may work 10 consecutive days. [7.2.9]
- If an employee’s shift is canceled and s/he is not notified before reporting to work, the employee is guaranteed 4 hours of pay. [7.3]
- There is a specific order in which employees must be offered extra work. [7.4]
- Employees are guaranteed a rest and meal period — it is the supervisor’s responsibility to make these available. [7.5 & 7.6]
- You may be eligible for penalty pay if you do not get enough time off between shifts. [7.7]
- Employees are allowed to trade shifts with other employees. [7.10]
- Employees have important rights when OHSU closes parts of its operations due to inclement weather. [7.12]
This doesn’t cover everything in Article 7 — to fully understand your rights, please read the contract language (available in the Your Union Contract tab at www.local328.org) or contact one of our stewards for assistance.