Working time is limited

Overtime is necessary sometimes. Admittedly, executives rarely make a fuss about it. But it can also get out of hand. As was the case recently at UCB. That’s why the CNE team got involved in the matter. “As part of the construction of a new building on our site, some executives regularly work weekends and public holidays, in addition to their normal working hours. They didn’t receive any compensation for this overtime”, says Brigitte Lacroix, executive representative at UCB.

What action did you take on behalf of executives and why?

Brigitte: “It’s not just about the overtime caused by the construction work. We wanted to draw attention to the overtime worked by executives at weekends and on public holidays. This happens regularly and repeatedly, and we wanted to ensure it was recognised and rewarded. Previously, there had been numerous complaints from disgruntled colleagues, the situation was on the verge of a crisis and executives were threatening to stop working weekends and public holidays.”

Did the action have any effect?

Brigitte: “Yes, the employer had no choice but to resolve the problem. We reached a very fair agreement. On the one hand, extra days worked can be recuperated and, on the other hand, financial compensation is now provided for executives working Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. They may receive a bonus of between 3 and 8% of their monthly wage.”

“This agreement was then applied in another department on site experiencing the same problem. However, this agreement only applies to executive work that is planned in advance, frequent and recurrent. It doesn’t apply to an executive who has to work weekends sporadically throughout the year.”

Is there anything you would like to add?

Brigitte: “We also systematically involve executives in the negotiations of collective agreements and try to reduce the differences that exist between the status of white-collar workers and that of executives. This year, for instance, we succeeded in making seniority leave for executives equal to that of white-collar workers, going from a maximum of 4 days to a maximum of 8 days of seniority leave on an annual basis. Executives with 15 years of seniority can now enjoy 2 days of seniority leave instead of 0. We also concluded agreements on the right to disconnect and telework, which is very much appreciated. Executives are required to spend at least 40% of their working time in the office. They are authorised to work the remaining time from home.”

Never Work Alone 2024 | Author: Alice Mazy | Photo: xxx