I made a critical error when I came here 4 years ago.I didnt realise I allowed my UK citizeship to lapse.If I get back home I have to reapply for healthcare etc etc and no guarantee they will grant it
How long is the shift?30 minute lunch break for my crew, and it seems to extend to 45 mins quite often
Did a job on the west coast several years ago. Equipment got loaded on ship for export. Longshoremen did the loading. Their schedule follows:
8:00 AM start, 15 minutes walk on time from where they parked 200 feet from dock.
9:15 AM to 9:30 AM walk off time for 9:30 to 9:45 Break, 9:45 to 10:00 walk back time.
11:45 to 12:00 Noon walk off time for 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM lunch, 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM walk back on time.
2:15 to 2:30 PM walk off time for 2:30 to 2:45 break, 2:45 to 3:00 PM walk back on time.
4:45 to 5:00 PM walk off time , quit at 5:00 PM.
That comes to a total of 5.5 hours per day. All in their contract.
I won't say that this is typical of all the Longshoreman Locals, but was for this one.
This is similar to the rental work I do for Union Pacific. Most of the time I just move the equipment in and out while some of the more "seasoned" operators fill the seats.
I have come to the realization that it takes a special kind of person to work for the railroad. Being able to watch paint dry and watch the grass grow is a must. Plenty of reading material and a large enough lunch box to carry a thanksgiving feast also helps.
I guess I'm too hyper and self motivated to fit in with that crowd. There have been days where I've sat in a loader, taken the mandatory rest breaks, lunch breaks and sat thru the safety briefings without even turning a wheel....and billed UP for 12 hrs. Those were some of the longest days of my life.
As far as breaks....I take them if I have to. I'd rather work thru and go home early.