The Labour Court recommended a new overtime payment system for non-consultant hospital doctors, with approved rosters and a target of no more than 65 hours a week. It said hours above 40 should be paid at specified overtime rates. The recommendation, signed on 4 May 1988, was due to take effect on 1 January 1989.
The Irish Medical Organisation had referred the dispute back to the Court, arguing that management had not seriously discussed a revised payment system or resolved the issue of unrostered overtime. The Department Of Health, health boards and voluntary hospitals said they needed more information and pilot projects to determine which work was necessary and properly organised. They also pointed to controls over working hours and public spending pressures.
The Court said employers had an obligation to establish a fairer system for necessary work beyond 40 hours a week, alongside proper management controls. Under its recommendation, half of the hours above 40 would be paid at time and a quarter, up to 10 hours; other excess hours would be paid at half time, subject to the overall 65-hour limit. Hospitals, doctors and management were to prepare approved rosters, and a committee with equal representation from the IMO and management, chaired independently, would oversee implementation. The Court recommended that both sides accept the plan as a step towards fairer overtime payments and reducing excessive hours.