The figure of 97% is brought up time and time again. 97% is one hell of a huge majority........Think why. Because 97% of engineers are not stupid! By voting to opt out it gives the individual a choice to work long hours or to only work a standard shift. An employer can only ask, not force an employee to work excessive hours. The choice is therefore yours and you have the freedom to make the decision yourself rather than be regulated. Nice position to be in!
I'm going to have to disagree there.
The WTD gives the employee protection from an overbearing employer. Opting out gives the employer carte blanche.
Besides, if you average out 48 hrs over 17 weeks it's quite easy to slip in a few doublers if your normal week is 35 or 40 hrs.
SC, give it a rest eh. We get it. some people are their own worst enemies and will work all the hours they can regardless of their own health/fatigue condition. Yes they are 'stupid' but please do not tar us all with the same brush.