View Full Version : Swing Shifts?
What does anyone know of swing shifts in this type of position? I understand that dispatch is 24/7, but do any of you work for a center that has a swing shift? I would think that this would make for one tired telecommunicator? Yes,no? Aren't the three basic shifts more reasonable? Say 07:00-16:00, 16:00-24:00, 24:00-07:00? or something like that! Just curious as to what is typical of the hours some centers have?
Thanks,
Lyn
ladymoonlite
03-08-2002, 15:57
The most common shifts seem to be 0700-1500, 1500-2300 and 2300-0700. More centers are moving to ten hour shifts, though, and the scheduling gets tricky.
Anticipating your NEXT question :) ...
Our scheduling for days off rotates. It's six consecutive days, first week is sun/mon off, the next week mon/tues, etc., until you get to Fri/Sat/Sun, work 5 days and then off Sat/Sun/Mon. Most people like this because they manage to get SOME weekends off. We do have a few, coveted, regular day off keys, but you won't get those until you've received at least a five-year pin.
I'd love to figure out a way to do a good ten-hour/four-day schedule, but I haven't found it yet.
dawnangel
03-15-2002, 19:45
My center is on a four watch system it goes as follows. There are four watchs which consists of 8 to 9 people. We work 7 days of 3-11 off on friday 7 days of 7-3 starting on saturday of 4 days and go back to work wensd night 11-7 for seven days then off 2 days and start 3-11 back again on friday night. our 8th day off every month we are able to choose which day we would like off. The swing shift is terrible they are currently in the process of evaulating this. But it has worked for almost 15 years.
I have worked 3rd shift for 13 years, then some retard got the bright idea to put me on swings because Im only married and have no kids....Well the time changes have made my blood pressure rise....I keep headaches and I am waiting to go postal, YES you will get tired and stay tired, there is no way humanly possible to get use to swings, And if your married, carry his or her picture, so you wont forget what they look like
Ky911,
Are you the only one at your center that is on a swing shift? From what you posted it sounds like it is just you. That seems unfair to me. Just curious...
Lynn
No I am not the only one on swings :) there are 4 people who have a straight shift and that is the 3rd shift people. Everyone else works swings. I guess I sounded that way because I want my 3rds back!!!!!! I offered to sell them my mom to get them back but no one wanted her;) I have worked 3rds for 13 years and swings is a culture shock not to mention I have a medical condition where sunlight gives me killer migraines, allergic to the sunlight so to speak. :D So having to go out during the day is a whooping to say the least.
ladymoonlite
03-18-2002, 01:44
Ky911,
If you get documentation from your doctor of your medical condition, I'll just bet you could get that midnight shift back AND keep your Mom!
lol I wished that was possible, They know because when they hired me from another police dept they asked why did I like Mids and I told them and showed them. Doesnt matter :D the life of a dispatcher
ladymoonlite
03-18-2002, 02:20
Wow, sounds like the makings of a great lawsuit.... Ever heard of "pain and suffering?" :sick:
Oh, the stylings of the sick legal mind :D
garfnodie
03-20-2002, 21:56
In response to the inquiry of swing shifts. I work 4 days on, 2 days off. First 2 shifts are 11pm-7am, then 2, 3-11 pm shifts. Yes, it makes for a tired dispatcher. Especially with a husband and 3 young kids. Technically I have 2 days off, but I spend the last half of my second day off trying to get sleep to go into work. I don't recommend this shift unless you are single,lol. Kelly
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