Under what circumstance can workers be paid for standby time?

Workers can be paid for standby time if the workload is determined to be onerous. In union contracts and labor agreements, standby time refers to periods when workers are required to be available for work but are not actively engaged in performing their usual job duties. If the workload during these standby periods is deemed burdensome or demanding, there may be provisions that allow for compensation. This recognizes the value of their readiness to work and the stress or fatigue that can accompany such responsibilities.

The other circumstances mentioned do not generally warrant pay for standby time. Simply requesting payment, agreeing to work overtime, or performing additional tasks does not inherently qualify a worker for standby time compensation under typical labor agreements unless there's a specific clause in the contract that stipulates such conditions. The emphasis remains on the onerous nature of the workload, highlighting the need for fair compensation under challenging working conditions.