FPSLREB Decisions

Overtime - Request of employer - Prior authorization - the grievors worked overtime while on a business trip - the employer's policy stipulated that when on travel status overtime had to be covered by a specific budget and approved prior to the departure of the employees - prior to their departure, the grievors had asked their supervisor if it would be possible for them to work overtime during the trip - they claimed that their supervisor had told them to keep track of the overtime worked and he would see what he could do when they got back - upon their return, the grievors requested compensation for the overtime worked - the employer denied their request - the grievors argued that they would not have been able to complete their work within the time allowed without working overtime during the trip - they added that their supervisor had not told them, prior to leaving, not to work overtime and that his comments amounted to explicit authorization to work overtime - the employer denied that the grievors' supervisor told them to keep track of their overtime and that he would see what he could do when they returned - the employer replied that the grievors were fully aware of the employer's policy, did not request prior authorization to work overtime or that their trip be extended, and did not provide the supporting explanations requested of them - the adjudicator found that the employer had not asked the grievors to work overtime and had not authorized them to do so - the adjudicator also ruled that the supervisor's comments prior to their departure did not amount to explicit authorization to work overtime. Grievances denied.