Casual employee line

Nurses Union

Published

  1. Do you believe it is 2 full weekend shifts, or 2 separate weekend days in 6 weeks?

    • 2
      2 FULL weekends in 6 weeks
    • 11
      2 separate weekend days in 6 weeks

13 members have participated

Hello all!

I am currently an employee, through a unionized position that has established guidelines for staff. I myself, along with a few other casual employees on the unit I work on have been having a bit of difficulty with the people who schedule us.

As as per our agreement, we are required to provide availability for 2 shifts in a pay period, as well as be available for 2 weekend shifts in 6 weeks. Now to my understanding, 2 weekend shifts means either 1 Saturday and 1 Sunday OR 2 Saturday's OR 2 Sunday's in a 6 week period. The people who schedule us believe it is 2 FULL weekend shifts in a 6 week period meaning 1 SAT AND SUN, followed by a 2nd SAT AND SUN in a 2 week period.

My question for you what do you understand from this language? Our union reps seem to say there is not a clear understanding in the language however don't have a clear answer for us either. Does your work also follow this " 2 weekend shifts in 6" rule, and how do they follow it? Thank you!!!!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They don't believe that nonsense! They apparently already figured out that no one is going to do anything about their fake understanding.

No way.

This is simple English. If you want someone to work "two weekends" you write "two weekends," not "two weekend shifts."

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU and Dialysis.

Two shifts is two shifts. There's no confusion at all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

I'll never understand how unions think this is beneficial, and I honestly don't believe in unions at all. I see no benefits, and yes I have worked at a union hospital. I worked as a per-diem at a union hospital and quit because they wanted two weekend shifts a month, which in my opinion is a bit much. I am per-diem for a reason, and not part time. I work 24 hour shifts every saturday on the ambulance and they wanted me to work two Sundays a month on top of that. No thanks, I quit after about two months. The manager had also falsely told me I would "hardly" have to do any weekends, well that was a total lie.

Anyway, my point is you loose more per-diems forcing them to do frequent weekend shifts then you would if you just let them do whatever weekends they can. I think they forget per diem people generally have other full time jobs that also require a weekend commitment and doing both is to much to ask in my opinion. You are only hurting you full timers when you can't recruit and retain per diem folks!

Annie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

IMO the word available is open to interpretation. I took a per diem CNA job. My offer letter stated must work 4 shifts per month, two shifts must be weekend shifts. Scheduler asked what times I would be "available." I gave her a list of days and I was scheduled for ALL for them. Seems I was needed to "fill in holes" on the schedule. On days when there were too many people on the schedule, one of the full time people would take off. This wound up being four days a week and every weekend. I told her it was too much and they said there was nothing they could do since they needed another full time person but it wasn't in the budget. I gave two weeks notice and was asked to stay. They knew I was in school and said it would be easier for me to get a nursing job there if I stayed. They would just put me down for two 16 hour shifts in a row in one weekend. Um... No! One shift was enough since the patient population was total care. In addition to the hours required, the work given didn't match the job description HR provided. I was lied to from the start. I didn't exactly trust them with whatever nursing job they might provide. Annie is right in how places treat per diems. I do however read what you posted as 2 separate weekend shifts you must sign up for and you have to work them but it doesn't really specify. The words "As well as" mean "In addition to" to me. Good luck, that's a tough one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgical, Home Infusions, HVU, PCU, Neuro.

I have been per diem for different establishments for 4 years and to me and how my requirements are worded (as yours are) it is 2 shifts not 2 weekends. Have you tried to providing your 2 shifts per pay period and 2 weekend shifts and NOTHING ELSE in your availability to them?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
They don't believe that nonsense! They apparently already figured out that no one is going to do anything about their fake understanding.

No way.

This is simple English. If you want someone to work "two weekends" you write "two weekends," not "two weekend shifts."

Totally agree!

Find a union steward or union rep and get this nonsense stopped.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

A shift is an 8-12 hour work period. A weekend shift is a shift that occurs on Saturday or Sunday (and depending on your facility, Friday evening/night may be included).

So a Satuday day shift is ONE weekend shift. A Saturday day shift and a Sunday day shift is TWO weekend shifts, not one.

I think your schedulers are trying to get away with murder.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.
Totally agree!

Find a union steward or union rep and get this nonsense stopped.

Your union should have the moxie to handle this!!! And your administration is taking advantage of the ambiguity set by your union.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment