New Labour Code causes confusion and anger
Rostislav Kuklik reports on the effect of EU rules on Czech healthcare
The amended version of the new Czech Labour Code stipulates that emergency working hours and overtime in hospitals and social care institutes be altered so that employees are paid no less than they receive for regular working hours.
Many strongly oppose this change - including top Czech EU representatives such as MEP Cabrnoch (Civil Democratic Party), who said the Code imposes even more regulations than the EU requires. A key issue, he said, is whether or not being ‘on standby’ for work is to be included in hours worked.
Some hospital directors say it is too early to assess the Code’s impact on local wages. Physicians must be reachable by phone, 24/7. However, on standby, they cannot stay in hospital, but must be home to receive emergency calls. Staying in hospital is work! That’s too expensive, ICU managers say. ‘We are sending duty physicians home, and some will also be working in shifts, because it’s cheaper for us.’
The reason is clear – they want to save money by paying doctors at work only a fraction of what they deserve according to the EU norm and Labour Code. Staying by the phone is not work!
Many think wages will remain the same as now and, generally, physicians accepted the changes to their working hours without much discontent. Any salary changes will be soon be known from the new work contracts being prepared in line with the new Labour Code. If adverse, effects will be mostly felt in ICUs, operating theatres, orthopaedic and plastic surgery units.
Right wing politicians blame this situation on those who pushed the bill through parliament - the Social Democrats and Communists. Some note that Commissioner SŠpidla’s draft EU labour regulation will clarify the matter and define what work is to be included in working hours.
12.03.2007
