Hi all,
I carry with me a fire pager at work.If it goes off my duties include reseting the fire alarm panel.Four years ago the workforce asked the general manager how he was going to provide cover at lunch time.He has done nothing to address this issue.
My manager says I am responsible for this pager even during unpaid lunch breaks.I have refused to accept this responsibility and am being
disciplined for my refusal.Is my manager correct??

Do you want a job Jimmy my son?
If you do I suggest doing as your boss says.

No. That's not right.

I doubt that this is your responsibility. There should always be at least 2 people who are responsible, just as with a first-aider, so that they provide cover for each other. What happens when you go on holiday? Would he expect you to fly back from Tenerife to reset the fire alarm? Speak to yout boss calmly and sensibly. Ask if the duties can be shared and say that you will work out lunch breaks and holidays so that there is always one responsible person on site.

Ask the Citizens Advice Bureau

ok its hard to explain. it depends if ur in australia or not. I live in Australia and if u are in a small business which i believe is 15 people or less since the law last changed, it all depends on the award that the employer sets up and you pretty much have less control as an employee. if u have more employees than that u then fall into the large business category and therefore follow the set government rules, which would mean that no u are not available in that break unless u are getting paid. if ur not in australia then im not sure.

forgive me if im wrong about the above statements, i havnt done business law since grade 11 which was 2 years ago. I do know there are different laws for small and large business though. i suggest you look it up and look for discrimination and unfair laws within the workplace