2007-2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement

Basic Work Week

6.1. Basic Work Week:

6.1.1. The basic workweek for every full-time clerical, supervisory and professional employee in the state classified service in each unit, with due allowance for authorized holidays and leaves of absence with pay, shall be thirty-seven and one half (37 1/2) hours per week.

6.1.2. The basic workweek for every full-time trade, custodial or other employee in a similar category in the state classified service in each unit, with due allowance for authorized holidays and leaves of absence with pay, shall be either forty (40) hours per week or thirty-seven and one half (37 1/2) hours per week.

6.1.3. The basic work period for every full-time law enforcement employee in state classified service in each unit shall consist of one hundred sixty (160) hours in a twenty-eight (28) consecutive day period. The basic work period for every full-time fire protection employee in state classified service in each unit shall consist of two hundred twelve (212) hours in a twenty-eight (28) consecutive day period.

6.1.4. Work hours beyond the basic workweek or work period are voluntary overtime hours except for full-time law enforcement employees, full-time fire protection employees or where specifically agreed otherwise by the Parties. Such overtime hours may be reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the Employer.

6.2. Breaks: No reduction shall be made from the basic workday for rest periods of fifteen (15) minutes in every four (4) hours working time or major fraction thereof; such rest period to be taken insofar as practicable in the middle of such working time. Such rest periods are to be taken in such a manner that the normal delivery of services will not be interrupted.

6.3. Meal Periods: Every employee shall receive a lunch period of not less than one half hour nor more than one hour. Such lunch periods shall not be considered working time. However, exceptions to this provision may be made upon mutual agreement of the employee and the Employer.

6.4. Schedules: Department work schedules for groups of employees, meaning two (2) or more employees, shall continue in effect for the life of this Agreement unless there is reasonable cause for the Employer to adjust such schedules. The Employer shall post and provide three (3) calendar weeks notice to the Association of any proposed schedule change, and upon request, shall meet with the Association prior to the scheduled date of implementation.

6.5. Flexible or Alternative Schedules: Nothing in the Agreement shall prevent the Employer and an employee, or group of employees, with the prior notice to and approval of the Parties, from mutually agreeing to flexible or alternative work schedules. This shall include “Baylor” plan type schedules at direct care institutions. Employees shall have the right to request a flexible or alternative schedule and to receive a timely response from the Employer.