The FLSA offers exemptions from mandatory overtime to executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales employees. To qualify for overtime exemptions, employees' job descriptions have to pass the duties tests outlined in the FLSA for each of those roles, and a job title alone doesn't count.
Start with a polite greeting and ask if they are open to you working overtime, rather than just telling them you need to. Briefly explain the reason for the overtime request so they understand the context. Acknowledge that it may require flexibility on your part and express willingness to discuss scheduling.
There are a few professional ways to politely decline overtime work requests: Express your availability. Explain that you have prior commitments or personal obligations that prevent you from working overtime during that time period. Offer to help another time if possible. Suggest alternatives.
Employees can avoid mandatory overtime by managing their workload effectively, prioritizing tasks, negotiating flexible work arrangements, enhancing time management skills, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
If your contract does not state that you must work overtime, then you cannot be forced to work extra hours.
Act 102 allows mandatory overtime for absences, discovered at or before the commencement of a scheduled shift, which could not be prudently planned for by the employer and which could significantly affect patient safety. As noted in a previous FAQ, there is no specific time period for the call-in to occur.