In what situation are workers expected to not pay for standby time?

Standby time refers to periods when workers are on site and available for work but not actively engaged in work tasks. The conditions under which workers are exempted from paying for standby time can vary based on agreements and interpretations of contracts.

In cases where an arbitrator has made a decision or a mutual agreement has been established, those decisions typically provide a binding resolution to labor disputes, including aspects pertaining to standby time. If an arbitrator has ruled that certain conditions or circumstances warrant that workers should not be required to pay for standby time, that conclusion sets a precedent and must be followed. This ensures that both management and workers adhere to an agreed-upon interpretation of the contractual obligations regarding standby time.

Mutual agreements also play a crucial role in defining the terms of employment, including pay policies during standby times. When both parties (management and the union or workers) come to a consensus on such aspects, it can create a clear expectation that workers will not be charged for those periods.

In contrast, while management agreeing to such a condition or a directive from a walking boss may influence practice, these situations are less formal and do not offer the same level of contractual protection or precedent that an arbitrator’s decision or mutual agreement does. Similarly, discussing concerns with crew