Been asked to work weekend in Germany

[donetello]

Last week Tuesday 8th,I was called by my firm asking if I would be interested in going over to Germany to set up some equipment.I asked for specific dates,times etc and was advised it was not 100% coming off at this time and that it would likely be Friday 18th to Sunday the 20th.I called in Thursday 10th to pick up the following weeks jobs,and spoke to the person dealing with the trip.I was told details would be sent to me via e-mail on Friday the 11th.Nothing arrived.Monday the14th at 10pm i recieve a text telling me the trip would be Saturday the 19th to Wednesday 23rd.Which I think is very short notice,the firm has only specified I will recieve 1 day in leiu for each weekend day even though I pointed out when it was requested I do the job I would require double time for the Sunday as the journey over from Folkestone to Munich is around 12-13 hours including driving breaks,lunch etc.By the time Saurday arrives I will also have already worked around 42 hours.Any advise greatly appreciated.Thanks and sorry its quite long.

[mxyzptlk]

Difficult to advise without knowing your t & c's of employment or even what your job is.
But I would suggest a word with your boss and express your concern.

[buildersmate]

Nothing to do with T&Cs since this is a one-off and subject to specific negotiation.
They want the job doing, you would be pleased to help your company provided the compensation is reasonable.
You made them an offer, which they apparently accepted but then failed to organise the job to the time specified.
Personally I think 3 days at 1.5x would be in order PLUS 3 lieu days when you get back.
You are, after all, travelling over there in some of your own time.

[donetello]

The only mention in my contract to overtime states"some overtime during the normal working week is expected and this is included within your salary"also"weekend hours will be at your normal rate+50%" a long winded way of saying time and a half.I sent an e-mail to the person organising the trip and pointed out the long hours involved and that I was not happy to accept just 2 days back in leiu for what could become well over 30 hours for both weekend daysThey rang me today to ask for reg plate etc and never mentioned my mail until I asked if they had recieved it,to which I was told its a day for a day but I'll speak to the MD again.When I mentioned lunch money,fuel and toll fees I was told I'll have to use my own credit card and claim it back after and it will be paid at whatever rate the euro is at when they repay it.As Buildersmate points out they want the job doing but don't want to be fair with the renumeration.I don't think I'm asking too much for losing my weekend,and I'm also not happy using my own card abroad.Thanks to Buildersmate and mxyzptlk for taking the time to reply,and any other thoughts advise before Friday welcome on this matter.Thanks Andy

[buildersmate]

You have to be prepared to negotiate, Andy.
At the end of the day, you can turn it down, but you should be making it clear now (before Friday) that those are your terms. Put things in writing /email (it sounds like you are)

[boxtops]

This sounds a pretty normal driving and setting up job. My OH delivers on the continent from Dover all the time, he has to pay up front for tolls and food (and yes using his own credit card and claiming it back) and he's only paid a shift rate irrespective of what day ot he week it is. Don't forget that driving restrictions mean that you can only drive for 4.5 hours without a break legally - for a van or truck you have to carry your log book and all documentation with you too, on the spot fines for any breaches are not unsual. Is your employer used to people driving commercially on the other side of the Channel?

[buildersmate]

I'm assuming that Andy's job does not normally involve driving commercial goods and that he is some kind of service technician.
Fair point that he is still covered by driving restrictions if he is carrying goods - depends on the size of them I guess - and whether he is in a company van or a normal car.

[Skyline D]

Don't especially see the problem with using your own card abroad and claiming it back. We always do that. You should however be entitled to recompense at the cost to you, not the Euro rate at the time of repayment. If something costs you £100 on your credit card when translated for billing but the Euro rate moves in the week or two before they repay it and by then it would have been £80 then you certainly shouldn't lie £20 out of pocket for it. That's obvious and no right minded company ought to be suggesting it (of course you are as likely to gain as lose by their method).

[36TEAK36]

Tell them you do not own a Credit Card. I did this several years ago when I had to go to Germany, and my company gave me some cash to cover my expenses.

Surely they cannot force you to use your own Credit or Debit Card.

[donetello]

Yes I'm a service tech,the vehicle is a long wheelbase Sprinter,Ive pushed and got three day's back and an advance for expenses,but it's a poor firm for organising jobs,I work 4 days Monday-Thursday 10 hour days as its mostly all over the country and means days away.They have not bothered picking up the required items ie deflectors,triangle or bulb kit for the trip and are trying to get it today Friday this means I will have to go and pick them up an hours round trip and then waiting to be given the equipment.This has ruined my day as I can't go out anywhere until they ring,this could be up to 12 o'clock.Many thanks for all the advise.

[buildersmate]

Well the moral of the story is, next time "Sorry, I'm unable to help you out, Mr Manager".

[donetello]

Yes doing favours for them in future =Zero chance.Had a trip into work picked up insurance docs etc,then they said I'd have to source the required items myself,ended up at Halfords £40 for a triangle,bulbs and deflectors with a magnetic GB badge.Set off for work at 11.30 arrived back home at 2.45,so my Friday off totally wasted.Thanks Fellas.