Can you be forced to work Saturdays?

[Helix]

Started at a new place of employment...they're saying "Saturday tutorials?" I have a second job that has me booked for the next 4 months' weekends and a sick parent that I spend every spare waking moment with on weekends. I think after putting in a full week that I should not be forced to have to go to bed early on a Friday night AND have to teach on Saturday. No overtime pay either to my knowledge.

Can you be forced to do this? Didn't see it in my contract....

[SS Rocks!]

If it's not in your contract then I don't see how they could force you to do it. Is there a union representative you can talk to?

[hweber]

I agree with SS Rocks, go through your contract with a fine tooth comb to see if it is in there. Did they talk about this during the interview process?

[Helix]

Did they talk about this during the interview process?

nope, never!

[Spectre]

Is this a public school? If so, and it is not written into your contract, I doubt they can force you to do it. If it is a private or charter school, they can just about compel you to do anything they wish.

[hweber]

Spectre is right, a charter school can ask you to do anything. Let us know what happens.

[Boxcar]

Like others have said, it depends. If you are in a public school, you have a lot more say in what occurs. I know that at a lot of centers, I could be asked to work weekends, special events, extended hours, and the like. However, I come into these places knowing this. If this isn't something that was mentioned when you took the postition - directly or in the handbook/paperwork - you have more to fight back with. On the other hand if it is in the nature of the employer - like a charter school or a center - to do things like this that aren't "typical", you are pretty much stuck.

[SS Rocks!]

I didn't even think of the possibility of a charter school. Good thinking!

[wilkette]

I know that here there are several Saturday workshops/PDs that are offered, but I don't know of any being mandated. Perhaps if it is for some reason required you can speak with someone re: your conflicting schedule and they can work with you. I would also check to see if there is a stipend in it, even if it hasn't been mentioned yet.

[Vcovarrubiaz]

That is a very sticky situation it would be very nice if they would make it a
volunteer on Saturdays and it would be even nicer if they would pay you more. You need to find out if they can lawfully do this?

[Mrs B]

Every contract that I have ever signed has included a provision for a certain number of school days, a certain number of PD days, and "other duties as assigned by the principal"....these other duties included bus duty assignments, after school parent-teacher conferences, working sporting events at night, and could include duties on Saturday as well.

[muinteoir]

The "other duties as assigned" covers a LOT of possibilities. I hate to think of the number of "other duties" I've had.

Some districts have rules about second jobs; most of the ones I've been in require supervisor permission to take one.

I would explain my sick parent to the principal - I've never had one that wouldn't be sympathetic to the situation.

[Mrs B]

My district has rules against second jobs, too. I didn't think about that when posting my reply yesterday.