New York, NY – After-Hours Users of BlackBerrys Demand Overtime Pay

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    New York, NY – BlackBerrys enable companies to contact employees 24/7, and workers often find themselves doing company business after-hours — sometimes, plenty of it — so much so that many employees have come to view the device as almost a digital ball and chain.

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    And now, workers are beginning to fight back — insisting that they get paid overtime for e-mails sent and work done after hours.

    BlackBerry use is a “cultural craze” that, for some, borders on addiction,” as people check their devices constantly. One man said he checks his roughly every 90 seconds! Another admitted he can’t resist checking his.

    Members of Congress aren’t immune. “The BlackBerry is really like a leash on you, and that means you can never get away. It is a constant reminder of everything ya gotta do and even those things that you don’t wanna do,” says Rep. Eric Cantor (R, Va.).

    But employees of ABC-TV said, “Enough is enough,” are asked to be compensated for checking their ‘berries after work hours.
    ABC agreed that workers can get paid for some work on their BlackBerrys — if it goes “beyond routine.”

    A recent article in the National Law Journal says some attorneys are even telling their clients to create explicit overtime policies to address potential complaints about BlackBerry use after regular business hours. “There’s a danger (companies) could get sued, for overtime, for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. All of these things are coming up.”


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    15 Comments
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    bigwheeel
    bigwheeel
    15 years ago

    In spite of all the kvetching [being done], show me ONE! person who would be willing to give up their BLACKBERRY!!!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    i wish I could.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    mee too

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    You all make me laugh. I have a blackberry, and have had an email connected phone for over six years. People need to be able to control themselves, and not let their phone control them. Why in the middle of a Chasuna are half the people on their phones or typing emails . There is simply no need. Wake up and reazlie what’s important in life!

    When your at home having supper with your kids, turn the phone off! Or just put it in a different room!

    When your having a night out with you wife, do yourself a favour and leave your blackberry at home! If your kids really need to contact you, take it with and turn tones to quiet for email, and sound for calls.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    i knew this was going to happen. each person that gets a bberry thinks its so great till they realize the company now has you 24/6.

    chelm!!!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Blackberry’s and Treo’s became a status. It shows that were always busy. The reason people use them at chasunahs is so that everyone at the table thinks their a “tutzach” or they are using it as method for coping with a social anxiety disorder.

    Renegade
    Renegade
    15 years ago

    “Why in the middle of a Chasuna are half the people on their phones or typing emails”

    Probably because they have no interest in being there.

    (or they need to show off to the whole world how busy they are)

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    Actually, I think most people are just bored and emails give them something to do. First we had the cell phone where everyone had to SPEAK during shul, weddings etc. Now it’s moved on to emails and texts.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    The biggest pleasure I have is leaving my blackberry at home wehn I go out with my family or to a simcha. Try it once or twice. It’s addictive!

    brickbreaker
    brickbreaker
    15 years ago

    My high score on brickbreaker is 28,440. A good game can sure make the time pass.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    hey brickbreaker, u beat me by 2000 points. dont worry at the next chasunah i’ll catch up with u.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    28,000? my highest was 15,000. I need to play more Brickbreaker!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    U brickbreaker guys crack me up!!!!!!!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    15 years ago

    no fair i dont have a bberry and that means i have no brickbreaker.

    Charlie Hall
    Charlie Hall
    15 years ago

    This reinforces the importance of Shabat.