Shift operation is a system that allows employers to schedule work around the clock by using the right work organization, supervisory coverage, and pay policies. To make up for the significant interference with their personal lives, shiftworkers are usually rewarded with premium pay (known as shift differentials), reduced hours, or both. Although no federal laws require extra pay for second or third shift work, any established premium is considered part of the regular wage and must be included in computing overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Nightshift Workers More Prone to Major Health Problems, Divorce
Employees who regularly work evening and night shifts in 24/7 operations suffer higher rates of gastrointestinal ailments, cardiovascular disease, and sleep disorders than the general population, according to a new study. In addition, parents working fixed night shifts are far likelier to experience divorce or separation.
Smaller Portion of Workers Have Flexible Schedules
More than 27 million full-time wage and salary workers had flexible work schedules
that allowed them to vary the time they began or ended
work in 2004, comprising 27.5 percent of all full-time wage and salary
workers, down from 28.6 percent in May 2001, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Wal-Mart Nixes 'Open Availability' Policy
Wal-Mart headquarters overruled a policy decision by one of its store's that would have
terminated any worker who failed to agree to be available to work any shift between
7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week, according to the Charleston Gazette (West
Virginia).
