Re: What's your compensation for carrying a pager???

"Stanley Sinclair" <stanleysinclair_at_bellsouth.net> wrote in message news:6f569254.0404201441.7cebce25_at_posting.google.com...
> This thread overwhelms me. People seem to be asking the wrong
> question.
>
> The question is, "Are you a professional or not?"
>
> If yes, then you are renting your professional knowledge/skills. You
> are not renting your time. If you are an MBA renting your skills as a
> trash evacuator, you are paid by the hour; if you are renting your
> skills as a people-manager, then you are paid to execute the tasks of
> your position. The former gets overtime, the latter does not, even if
> it takes 24/7 to do the job.
>
> Perhaps job descriptions are not clear enough. Recent definitions re
> labor standards stratify the workforce by salary: Under $23,500,
> madatory overtime; over $65,000; no overtime unless contracted
> otherwise; between, depends on the contract.
>
> I won't bore anyone with my personal reasons. I am a physician (MD in
> practice), an MBA (consultant in practice), and an active database
> programmer. For details about why I feel as I do, write me privately.
> (In 35 years of medical practice, I have never received a cent for
> being on call 24/7/365. On the toilet, during sex, at my parent's
> funeral, nor any other time.)
>
> Stan
>
>
>
> "Richard" <pager_boy_at_spamex.com> wrote in message
news:<eI6bc.9796$Ig.3374_at_pd7tw2no>...
> > My employer currently pays me $1/hour when I carry a pager. I have to
> > carry the pager every fourth week. The problem is that my employer
> > insists that I be available when I'm carrying the pager. So, for $1/hr
> > they expect me to remain within pager range, remain sober, and be
> > available to come to work. That really sucks on weekends. No going
> > to the beach (out of pager range) or out to a friend's cottage (out of
pager
> > range), etc. Declining to carry the pager is NOT an option.
> >
> > I'm curious what compensation others get and more importantly, what's
> > your employers expectation of your availability when you're on-call?
> >
> > Thanks.

Stan,
We can agree to disagree. It is unreasonable to be on call 7/24/365. For people to function effectively they do need some "time off" ; if for no other reason than to recharge the psychic batteries. Sure, if one is a sales person on pure commission then I suppose that there is no reason for getting paid for working 7/24/365. But some employers will abuse the situation and by if nothing else it helps to recognize the beyond regular hours effort. Sure if someone calls me after hours to ask a question I do my best to help and don't expect additional compensation. But if all of a sudden it became a regular thing and consistently required more work then one must set boundaries. (where I work no system that I work on is medically necessary - no one is hurt or injured if someone has to wait a little bit.) In short, my employer hired me for about a 40 hour work week and not an 80+ hour work week consistently. If they want the 80+ then it has to be spelled out in the employment agreement at hire not "slipped in"; then I can decide if I want to take the job or not.

Also if the additional compensation is tied to whether I do something or not - a two tier system - then it behooves management to make sure systems are properly maintained so they are not paying higher after hours maintained due to lack of regular scheduled main. (which may occur after hours and would not be compensated for)

Jim Received on Wed Apr 21 2004 - 03:58:24 CEST