Health: Consulcesi, ‘boom in reports of operators for grueling shifts, warnings at the start’

Rome, May 28 (beraking latest news Salute) – Twelve, fifteen or even twenty hours in the ward. The day of rest is a mirage, the holidays even more. The pandemic has exacerbated everything. To denounce the grueling shifts to which Italian doctors are subjected is the Consulcesi legal network, to which more and more white coats are turning for help. “We have been inundated with reports of doctors and health workers who work more than they should without any recognition for this sacrifice”, reports Massimo Tortorella, president of Consulcesi. The lawyers report the warnings have already started, “an alternative way, – they explain – that allows you to immediately start a dialogue with the institutions before moving on to litigation and then also to secure their rights”.

“The problem of grueling shifts is a problem that has been going on for too long and that is worsening in conjunction with the growing shortage of doctors that our country suffers from. The time has come to open a dialogue with the institutions”, underlines Tortorella.

Yesterday like today, nothing has changed. Already more than ten years ago – Consulcesi recalls – the European Union has beaten Italy for failure to comply with Directive 2003/88 / EC which promotes the improvement of the safety and health of workers and which establishes a maximum weekly working time of 48 hours, including overtime, and a daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours. While acknowledging this directive, from 2008 to 2015 Italy nullified its effects through the Finance Law for 2008. On 25 November 2015 – details Consulcesi – Italy has in fact adapted, but only formally, because in fact the violations persist. For the period prior to this date it was possible to request reimbursement – over 80,000 euros for 6 years of work – both in the event that the extra hours worked were not paid but returned by the company within the scope of result, both in the case in which they have instead been paid.

Consulcesi, provides a free consultancy service for information on the possibility of taking legal action and protecting oneself through a warning to preserve one’s rights, by contacting 800.122.777 or directly through the site www.consulcesi.it.