ARTICLE 15
HOURS OF WORK

Section 1 - Workday:
Except as provided in this Article, the normal workday for full-time employees shall consist of eight (8) hours of work within a 24-hour period. The normal hours of work shall be consecutive except that they may be interrupted by a lunch period.

Section 2 - Workweek:
Except as provided in this Article, the workweek for full-time employees shall normally consist of five (5) consecutive days, eight (8) hours of work, Monday through Friday, totaling forty (40) hours. Special schedules will be established for employees, other than employees in continuous operations, who are required to work on Saturday, Sunday or seasonal schedules as part of their regular workweek.

Section 3 - Continuous Operations and Shifts:
The workday for employees in 24-hour continuous operations shall consist of eight hours of work. Work schedules for employees assigned to shifts, showing the employee’s workdays, and hours, shall be posted on appropriate bulletin boards. All employees shall be scheduled to work regular work shifts i.e., each work shift shall have a regular starting arid quitting time.

Section 4 - Changes in Work Schedules:
Except in emergencies, regular work schedules shall not be changed without ten (10) working days advance notice.

Section 5 - Flexible/Alternative Work Schedules:
The normal work hours may be adjusted to allow for flexible/alternative work schedules, with appropriate adjustments in affected leave and compensation items (e.g., overtime, premium pay, compensatory leave, etc.). Such schedules may be appropriate where (1) it is cost effective, (2) it increases employee morale and productivity, or (3) it better serves the needs of the public. The Union will be given advance notice (when flexible/alternative work schedules are proposed) and shall be given the opportunity to consult.

An alternative work schedule will provide that overtime compensation will not begin until the regularly scheduled workday or tour of duty has been completed. Other premiums will be based on the regularly scheduled workday of the employees. An alternative work schedule shall not affect the existing leave system. Leave will continue to be earned at the same number of hours per pay period as for employees on five (5) day, forty (40) hour schedules and will be changed on an hour-by-hour basis.