On-Call - some advice needed.

[Boring_Chris]

I work in IT and I'm paid to be 'on-call' should anything go wrong.

I've been the only engineer on the rota for near four years. It makes up a substantial part of my take-home pay. I don't mind doing it and, obviously, enjoy the money!

Somewhat out of the blue, the big boss decided that the rota should be spit. He's drafted in someone who's not really suitable to cover the on-call responsibilities. Obviously this will reduce my earnings.

Aside from the obvious arguments, where do I stand here? The on-call isn't part of my original contract. It was an addition. Do I have any real basis to argue against the changes? (again, other than 'this new guy isn't suitable' etc etc)

[Boring_Chris]

Sir Bagalot said:

Have you tried asking your boss?

The very fact it was all done without asking you for your opinions should tell you everything you need to know

She's just been removed from the contract, effectively sacked (without consultation)

That I wasn't included is more a reflection of the working practice of upper management, than the situation at hand. But I understand your point.

Edit; for clarity - my boss has just been removed, with a replacement yet to be defined. The 'big boss' is someone I have very little contact with.

[Boring_Chris]

The terms are basically; answer your phone within 15 minutes, logged in within the hour.

I've never had an issue fulfilling the on-call duties. I've pretty much taken my laptop everywhere! As much as I'd like a little freedom, I like the money more.

'Practice and Precedent' seems to cover what I was thinking of. But looks like I'd have to take them to court to have anything enforced?

[Boring_Chris]

randlemarcus said:

Option A: Argue for you to keep the sole on-call status, and the money. Not hugely sensible from a business perspective.
Option B: Job market, and include the on-call money as part of your base salary. Same money, less on-call, small risk, but probably some fun too.
Option C: withdraw on-call service, take the money hit, and see if they change their minds with no viable on-call resource.

All good fun.

Yeah this is pretty much what I thought, but was kind of hoping there'd be some legal-speak magic words that might make Option A easier.

[Boring_Chris]

Countdown said:

What makes you think the other guy isn't suitable?

Lack of knowledge and experience. The last time he was tasked with an out of hours call (scheduled overtime), he ended up calling me for advice. He's also too far removed from the local offices to offer any more than telephone support.

[Boring_Chris]

Appreciate the responses (read them all - thank you!)

I also appreciate that nobody has said 'stop being greedy', which is essentially what I'm being (but who'd just give up extra money?!)

I'll just outline the pros and cons as best I can, and play the long game if (when) my initial arguments are dismissed (big boss has ignored my first email - which was expected. He can't lose if he doesn't play! Ha)

[Boring_Chris]

abzmike said:

OP - So you are basically on call 24x7x365? Seems crazy to me, and probably illegal if there is any penalty of you not being able to login for what ever reason.

Actually when the on-call was first brought about it was mentioned that 'disciplinary action' may be taken should you be unable to field a call. I asked for clarification (who'd not when the term 'disciplinary' is included?!) but was largely laughed out the office.

So, the penalties are probably too vague to realistically enforce (maybe that's why I was laughed out? I may have missed the glaring hole in the contract that everyone else could see very clearly!)

With regards to being 'on' 24x7x365... I just really love money. Ha.

(actually I juts quite like my job as is - I've done it for years and it's nice to have the responsibility. The 'work' (ie. maintenance and repair) is the least taxing part of the job (the most being the human beings involved)

[Boring_Chris]

GT03ROB said:

This is going to be of no help to the OP...... but it just goes to show how bosses sometimes cannot win.

I swear I've seen posts here asking for advice when somebody has been asked to be the sole on-call support person & how that was unfair as they now always had to be available with their phone !!

Send them my way - I'll do it! ; )

[Boring_Chris]

andy-xr said:

Those two lines should strike fear into the minds of anyone who cares about continuity.

If you left tomorrow, without a replacement, what would happen out of hours?
I'm not saying it's nice that your money has just been pushed down, but from the company's view they're massively exposed having just one guy holding the torch if the lights are out.

Your logic is sound.

[Boring_Chris]

Chozza said:

Are you sure the big boss isn't lining you up to replace the now departed boss?

Small hike in salary for you..and as a manager you get to be on call to support your new team 24x7.

And as a manager no on-call pay

Not even. The company aren't based in the UK and all promotions and managerial roles are quickly shifted 'off-shore'.

Nice thought (and I see where you're coming from). But it's not happening here.

[Boring_Chris]

Yeah I've not quite got myself in that situation, but I had plans and grown accustom to the wage (which wasn't astronomical by PH standards, but was OK for me)

It's just time to start playing the game a little bit. And if that doesn't work, find a new job.