Part-time tech with on-call question

[quazee]

I work two days a week at a private golf course. I handle all the technical stuff (printers, slow computers, why can't I open this, etc.) and an outsourced IT company handles the bigger stuff (servers, routers and so on). I also have another part-time job three days a week.

Lately the golf course has been calling me on my off days wanting me to come in and fix printing problems. I sorta feel that if they want me to come in on a day off that I should be compensated for it. Granted I do clock in when I get there and clock out when I leave, but I also have an hours worth of drive time and we've never discussed me being on call. What do you think about the situation?

 

[paterson]

Well, if you don't think the employer/employee relationship is strong enough to just talk to them about it, then you may have other issues to work out.

That being said and you just can't talk to them, do you have caller ID? Personally, I wouldn't answer the next call. Then, when I am asked about it, I would say that it was my day off and had things to do. I would follow that up with asking if they want to set up an arrangement for on-call compensation.

I would certainly try and talk to them first though!

 

[JCreamerII]

Time & expense. Next call tell them you're in the middle of another job, and can't get away right now. If they are going to continue to need you on off hours then you need to get time and expenses. Discuss this with you're supervisor, they will understand if he or she is a professional, maybe just add a third day. It really isn't worth you're while to travel an hour each way for an hour's worth of work.

Jim C.

 

[58sniper]

Not without a minimum level of compensation. Many companies bill for a minimum service call. With some, it's a flat rate travel fee. With others, it's a minimum number of hours. I've even seen some companies do both.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.ucblogs.net/blogs/exchange/

 

[quazee]

I agree that talking to them about it is a must. I just wanted some input from others about the situation.

We talked today and decided on a two hour minimum for days I'm not scheduled.

 

[JCreamerII]

Your see the sqeaky wheel does get greased.

Jim C.