Should one be compensated for standby hours?

[BlackJack1301]

So my GF's company expects her to be on 24/7 telephonic standby every second week including weekends without getting paid extra. Is this allowed by law?

She does get something extra for answering a call, but surely when you are on standby and they expect you to be available and on call 24/7 you have be compensated for that time?

 

[ponder]

Dunno if it's law but I was paid for standby. I don't think it's fair not be compansated for putting your life on hold.

 

[MickeyD]

It should be included in her employment contract.

If not it reverts to the BCOE Act, para 17 on page 11: http://www.labour.gov.za/downloads/...ment/Act - Basic Conditions of Employment.pdf

 

[mandana]

I get paid for standby even if I don't get called.

Standby allowance for being available, overtime for answering the call and doing what needs to be done.

 

[Lupus]

As far as I know they don't necessarily have to pay an allowance, they do have to compensate for work done though.

Sent from my U20i using MyBroadband Android App

 

[Heebs]

Only if they expect you to remain sober!

 

[Billy]

Morally yes. Legally, probably not unless there is a call, then overtime.

Very difficult to enforce. "I had to switch my cellphone off where I was"

"There was no signal, but if you paid me I am sure there would be."

"I lost connection"

"I was driving"

I am sure there are many other legitimate reasons not to be able to answer.

 

[BlackJack1301]

Thanks guys, not only does she have to be sober, but also has to make sure the phone gets answered immediately and it has to be quiet around her and like i said it can be any time of the day or night...

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

I used to be paid for being on standby, and at the overtime rate if required to work.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Sounds a bit Orwellian to me, if that's legal it shouldn't `t be.

 

[Lounger]

Only if they expect you to remain sober!

Here we go - correct.

If she has to drop everything and take time out to talk on the phone, then sure, she must be compensated. Would she still be on standby in an aeroplane off to see a friend and out of reach etc.. If the answer is no, then the answer is clear.

 

[Maddmatt]

Unless she is going to end up on the streets if they fire her, she should simply refuse and demand better terms. She will be unhappy living like that.

 

[Mila]

What kind of work does she do?

 

[oober]

What kind of work does she do?

She is a girl who gets called... i.e...

 

[thisgeek]

If I don't get paid standby then I don't answer the phone.
... and if I answer the phone and I have to do anything, then I ^usually claim overtime. Answering simple questions I don't charge for.

I get paid R11 per hour (before tax) of standby, which usually equates to around 246 hours per month, depending on public holidays.
(15 hours per week day, 24 hours per day weekends and public holidays)