Some Employers have told nurses when they come in that the entire shift is cancelled, but since they have to pay them for four hours anyway, the nurse must work for four hours. WRONG! If they were asked to work 4 hours, they would be paid for 4 hours worked plus 4 hours cancellation pay, for a total of 8 paid hours.
If a nurse is sent home after working, for example, 5 hours of a 7 3/4 hour shift, he or she must be paid for the 5 hours worked plus 4 hours cancellation pay, for a total of 9 paid hours.
Cancelling shifts is inconvenient for Employees. The four hours pay is a compensation for that inconvenience and it is an incentive for Employers to treat staff well and not call them in only to send them home again.
Casuals should ask about the length of shift when they are assigned. Employers are legally obliged to inform you of the shift length. If a casual reports and any part of the shift is cancelled they are entitled to reporting pay.
Articles 7.06, 30.03(a) iv UNA Provincial Agreement
*Other UNA Agreements often have different provisions. Check your Agreement or with your Local for details.
