I work in the petroleum distribution industry and wondered if there are laws that limit forced overtime.
Under our collective bargaining agreement, it does state "Normally, employees are not required to work more than ten hours per day or forty hours in one week. However, because of the of the company's business, deviations from these hours are sometimes necessary and are permissible." But no specific language dictating that we can be forced in for overtime on our days off... Is there a CT. state law or federal law that dictates limitations with respect to forcing employees in for overtime on their days off or does the collective agreement overshadow any such existing laws?

There are a few laws, exactly what is your job in the "distribution" end of things?

Terminal Operations...

In your case, it would be the collective bargaining agreement. My suggestion is for you to file a grievance the next time the situation arises.....

OR...

you could just take the overtime while it lasts.

So you're saying that based upon the language worded in the contract, management would not have the right to force an employee in for overtime on an off day?
I get somewhat confused by some of the language and was hoping for some in depth clarification, but I guess without someone having the contract in their hand to interpret that might be difficult...
Our overtime calling list is based upon seniority and if all the senior employees elect not to take what is available then the junior employee is expected to work. For example, one employee is scheduled for a vacation day off and overtime is needed to cover that specific shift, can the company force in the junior employee for overtime to cover that shift, or does the employee who had the scheduled vacation day have it revoked (even though it had been approved by management approx. one month prior to the day off)?