Doctors in Schleswig-Holstein: Thousands of unpaid overtime required!

Doctors in Schleswig-Holstein: Thousands of unpaid overtime required!

In the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) in Kiel and Lübeck, the working conditions of doctors are currently criticized. The Marburger BUND therefore makes serious accusations. The clinic lacks a manipulation -proof system for working time recording, which is referred to as a "broken law with a system". Michael Wessendorf, the chairman of the Marburger Federal Schleswig-Holstein, sets off for better conditions for the employees and civil servants.

Current work time recording is carried out digitally via duty roster programs or manually, which has no longer been permitted since January 2025 according to the collective agreement. A survey by the Marburg Confederation shows alarming numbers: Tens of thousands of overtime are not recognized or remunerated weekly. About two thirds of the doctors have to have their overtime approved, which is often not successful. Almost half of the insufficiently recorded hours report, which work on up to 500 unpaid hours a year.

work time recording at the center of the criticism

partial resistance comes from the UKSH itself, which rejects the allegations. The clinic operator emphasizes that it is not necessary to implement a classic clock. In fact, other digital methods such as apps or tables are also permitted. Doctors should be able to capture their additional work independently via the documentation system "SP-Expert", which according to its own information meets the tariff requirements. In addition, the clinic refers to a service agreement with the staff councils and emphasizes to protect employees.

An urgent concern of the Marburg Confederation, however, remains the introduction of electronic time recording terminals. From 2026 a weekly working time of 40 hours will be prescribed, which makes a complete recording essential. The Medical Association therefore also demands a wage increase of 15 percent to meet the additional challenges.

survey for working time recording

A comprehensive survey that was carried out between March 31 and April 23, 2025 among around 3,500 doctors at state -owned university clinics provides further interesting insights. Only every sixth respondent works under the contractual time recording. An alarming result is 83 percent of those surveyed who indicate that they are not available to manipulation -proof, electronic time recording in accordance with the collective agreement. 62 percent indicate their working hours digitally, while 17 percent work manually - a relic from the past.

In addition, the survey shows that the pressure not to document overtime is great. More than a quarter of the respondents say that it is a matter of course not to present overtime for approval. Three quarters of the doctors must have their overtime approved, but 44 percent report on hours of unknown hours, despite reporting to the superiors.

legal framework conditions

A decisive judgment of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) of May 14, 2019 obliges all EU member states to introduce a reliable system to measure daily working hours. According to the Ärzteblatt is respected. The ECJ makes it clear that a comprehensive time recording system is indispensable in the hospital landscape, since the natural demarcation between working hours and leisure is often not given.

Time is pushing. The clinics are faced with the challenge of capturing the working hours of their employees in order to meet the legal requirements. It remains to be seen whether the UKSH and similar institutions will adapt their work processes to finally ensure that their working hours are so important for the doctors.