Tips for Safely Refusing Voluntary Overtime

• Only refuse VOLUNTARY overtime. You can be disciplined for refusing mandatory overtime. If you are unsure if overtime is mandatory or voluntary, do not take action without asking a union official to clarify.
• If management tells you overtime is mandatory, follow their order. If you believe they are mistaken and in violation of the contract, ask a member of your shop committee to file a grievance.
• When in doubt, ask a steward or committeeperson for clarification.
• If management asks you why you’re refusing voluntary overtime or any other questions, you can decline to answer. You DO have a right to refuse voluntary overtime when the contract is expired. The company does NOT legally have the right to retaliate, but there’s no reason to make it easier for them if they choose to break the law.

Weingarten Rights

Use your Weingarten Rights to demand union representation if management asks you about refusing overtime:

“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative be present at this meeting. Without union representation, I choose not to answer questions”

Your Rights to Organize

The National Labor Relations Board advises that “your employer cannot prohibit you from talking about or soliciting for a union during non-work time, such as before or after work or during break times; or from distributing union literature during non-work time, in non-work areas, such as parking lots or break rooms”. Examples of non-work time are breaks or before/after your shift.