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Doctors in revolt: demand for fair time recording rejected!
The Marburger Bund Lower Saxony criticizes the inadequate electronic recording of working hours in clinics and calls for solutions that comply with collective agreements.
Doctors in revolt: demand for fair time recording rejected!
In recent months, pressure has increased on university hospitals in Germany to ensure that their working time records comply with the law. Andreas Hammerschmidt, the second chairman of the Marburg Federal Lower Saxony, describes the current situation as a structural failure. Hospital doctors often feel like they have no rights and have to work overtime without being recognized or compensated. What is particularly problematic is that the electronic time recording systems in many facilities are not activated for medical staff, while other professional groups can easily access these systems.
Another major shortcoming can be seen in the way breaks are handled: Doctors complain that automatic break deductions are made even if they had no opportunity to take a break. Hammerschmidt calls for fair, manipulation-free electronic time recording, as set out in the collective agreement, for example through a time clock principle or time recording terminals.
The situation at university hospitals
A large number of university hospitals violate the collective agreement that was agreed in March 2024 between the Marburger Bund and the Collective Bargaining Association of German States (TdL). A survey of around 3,500 doctors shows that only 17% use tamper-proof, electronic time recording based on the time clock principle. In addition, 48% of those surveyed have to have overtime approved by their superiors, and 44% report that the hours they have worked are not taken into account despite reporting it to those responsible. The risks of these problems are enormous: 68% of those surveyed complain about less recovery time, 61% have a poor work-life balance, and 57% see their motivation decreasing, which leads to greater exhaustion and the risk of burnout.
In view of these challenges, the Marburger Bund is planning a campaign to publicize non-compliance with the collective agreement. Christian Twardy, deputy chief executive of the MB, expresses concerns that continued disregard of the contract could reduce its value in the long term. Andreas Botzlar, 2nd chairman of the MB, also emphasizes that there was enough time available for the technical change to time recording.
Legal situation and solutions
The legal framework is clear: a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) from May 2019 and confirmation by the Federal Labor Court (BAG) in September 2022 call for complete and objective recording of working hours in the EU. This is a particular challenge for companies in the healthcare sector, which often have to struggle with flexible working time models and shift work. In addition, the recording must also take place in the home office and when working mobile.
The various options for recording working hours have their advantages and disadvantages: While handwritten recording is simple and inexpensive, electronic recording offers greater reliability and transparency. A digital solution like NOVENTI Flex could support this by meeting all legal requirements and making recording efficient.
Time is running out for university hospitals to act in the interests of their employees. It remains to be hoped that both the clinics and the decision-makers will take the necessary steps to sustainably improve working conditions and protect the health of everyone involved.