Pueblo West staff propose mandatory rest period after 16‑hour emergency shifts for distribution crew

PUEBLO WEST, Colo. — Pueblo West Metro District staff outlined a proposed policy on Friday to require a 10‑hour rest period for nonexempt collections and distribution employees who work 16 or more consecutive hours during emergency responses.

The policy, presented by staff, would require employees to take a 10‑hour recuperation period after such extended emergency shifts. If part of the rest period overlaps an employee’s next normally scheduled work time, the district would pay the employee straight time for that overlapping portion; the rest period otherwise would not count as compensable hours toward daily or weekly overtime.

Staff said the policy is safety‑driven and intended to reduce fatigue‑related risk after extended emergency work. The discussion noted the proposed rule affects about 14 collections and distribution employees in a typical event and that such emergency extended shifts occur about two to three times a year.

Board members asked for clearer wording to ensure the policy pays only for the rest hours that would otherwise fall during a normally scheduled shift; staff agreed to reword the rest‑period compensation section. Board members also asked whether the policy applies only to nonexempt/hourly employees; staff confirmed the scope targets nonexempt employees and that the document already defines the scope.

Staff said the policy should not increase total labor cost in practice because, under current practice, employees return and work their next shift without paid rest; the change primarily shifts some pay timing and aims to mitigate safety and liability risks. Directors asked staff to track occurrences and report thresholds to the board if the frequency of events rises.

Ending: Staff will revise the policy wording for clarity about which rest hours are paid and will track emergency overtime occurrences for periodic reporting to the board.