According to the document, overtime is any work performed beyond an employee's normal daily or weekly hours. Overtime is not compulsory and requires an agreement between the employer and workers that considers fairness. However, overtime can be required without refusal if the work is urgent due to unplanned circumstances like equipment breakdowns. Employees earning over R205,433.30 annually have reduced rights regarding overtime compensation and paid time off but can still negotiate with their employer.

1. Working Overtime
What if employees refuse?

2. Overtime according to the BCEA:
All hours worked by an employee exceeding the
employee’s normal daily/weekly hours of work.

3. Agreement with workers – a
necessary arrangement
Overtime is not compulsory, necessitating an
agreement (taking fairness into account) – there are
exceptions where overtime cannot be refused:

4. When is overtime compulsory?
Overtime is required when the work that must be
done is urgent, owing to circumstances the employer
could not have planned for e.g. when equipment
suddenly breaks down.

5. The Earning Threshold
Employees earning more than R205 433,30 p.a. are
excluded from certain rights:
- They cannot demand to be compensated for
overtime work if they agreed to it
- They cannot demand paid time off
- They CAN exercise their right to negotiate