Re:The Free-Time Paradox in America
by makomk on Monday September 19, 2016 @04:38PM
(#12534492)
Not only that, but a lot of employers apparently expect hourly workers to come in on short notice and cut hours from those that don't. Which leads to a different kind of job-enforced idleness that's unpaid and doesn't count as work, unlike yours.
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That's another worker protection that I keep missing when I make lists.
The protection of 'on call' (in any type) equated to a type of work. Maybe not paid at full rate, but still compensated for as personal activities must be interrupt-able and other work cannot be sought.
Also the protection of a regular and predictable schedule with long lead times.
Re:The Free-Time Paradox in America
by Broken_Hippo on Tuesday September 20, 2016 @07:20AM
(#12538616)
Very much this. I've family members that work for a freight train company. The schedule is brutal: get a call, have 2 hours to get to work, drive a train for 10 hours, get 10 hours off (often away from home), and then you are back on call. They are expected to be well-rested for work when they get the call. The pay is good, comparatively, but it allows no personal life and no chance of other work or hobbies on even a semi-regular basis. They are only closed for 2 holidays - christmas and new year - and it takes a toll on health.