Opt-out agreement

ASK THE EXPERTS SAFETY, LAW AND WORKING TIME DIRECTIVE FORUM (INTE
1

You know how you think you know something, but when your employer tells you time and time again that you are wrong, you begin to wonder if they do in fact know something you don’t?

Well our company has sent us an opt-out agreement, the main sentence being worded:

“I ___________ , agree that I may work for more than an average of 48 hours per week.”

Now I was under the impression that this bit of the regulations was not optional, but compulsory. Surely every haulage company in the UK would opt out of this if they could?

I’ve searched the internet and seem to get the same result: no opt-out. But the company are insisting that we send the form back. Some drivers have, but I assume that that wouldn’t be a problem anyway if it’s not enforceable.

I think that they just can’t be bothered to keep records and did an Internet searchfor an opt-out form. But maybe I’m mis-informed or some new regulation has slipped in without me spotting it?

Any reassurance if correct, or education if wrong, appreciated :slight_smile:

2

You are a mobile worker, you cannot opt out of the WTD or the RTD.

The only bit you can opt out of is the night working limit provided that you all agree.

3

That would be an opt out from the regular folks WTD, you cannot opt out of the one for special people like us.

There’s dim people in your company, beware. :wink: :stuck_out_tongue:

4

You can only opt out if you’re not working to EU regulations.

If you’re working to domestic regulations you can opt out if your working to EU regulations you can’t.

5

Coffeeholic:
There’s dim people in your company, beware. :wink: :stuck_out_tongue:

Oh that is so true :unamused:

Thanks for that fellas - niggling doubt dispelled. I can now get back to always being right (sometimes) :laughing: