Labour Court backs 39-hour threshold for hospital doctors’ overtime

The Labour Court recommended that overtime for non-consultant hospital doctors be paid only after they work 39 hours in a week. The recommendation was signed on 7 January 2008. The Irish Medical Organisation argued that hours outside doctors’ regular weekday working times should count as overtime and sought compensation for affected doctors. The Health Service Executive - Employers' Agency said overtime was payable only after 39 weekly hours. The Court agreed with the employers’ interpretation of the parties’ 2000 overtime agreement.