SATURDAY WORKING

LReede · Post by **LReede** » 22 Dec 2018, 01:43

Hi guys! I have been offered a 28hr pw contract Monday- Saturday. Is there a terms/ conditions with the union in place how many Saturdays you work a month? Cheers

estelle · Post by **estelle** » 22 Dec 2018, 05:59

the short and simple answer is - it varies but in reality you will likely end up working every Saturday in a month. If you require regular Saturdays off, this may not be the job for you.

All depends on the patterns in your office. Some operate on a one in six basis, others a one in four and then there are other variations I'm not as familiar with. One in six/four means you are off every sixth/fourth Saturday.

As a new entrant, you'll probably be an annual leave reserve, which means in theory you should get the rotational day off of the duty holder you are covering when they are on leave. I say in theory, because the reality is, managers tend to try their best to give the quieter days of the week off, and keep the cover for busier days or those where established staff ask for a day in lieu (Saturdays being a popular day to ask for).

Best thing to do is join the Union, find out who the Rep is in the office and ask them to ensure you are given the same access to a Saturday off as the rest of the staff. It may be that you get two off in a row and then none for 12 weeks, but that is because you'll have been given the equivalent of a one in six, but condensed to suit business needs.

world class male · Post by **world class male** » 22 Dec 2018, 19:33

i've posted this several times and it appears to fall on deaf ears
reserves in traditional quiet periods always seem to get quite a few tuesdays off (my d/o anyway)
for the rota 1 day off per week worker it is important to note the 6wk average of your weekly hours only works correct for those with a fixed day off rota,
reserves with too many tuesdays off will probably be working an hour or so for free as they will just turn up at the days start time and think nothing of it.

estelle · Post by **estelle** » 23 Dec 2018, 08:24

That does make sense and isn't falling on deaf ears.

Hence why I said you may get the equivalent of say a one in six, but condensed. Also, all depends on the conversations taking place between managers and reps at weekly resource meetings. A more on the ball Rep may be proactively thinking about these things and try to ensure the six week average works out correctly.