Commuted Overtime – Spending Review Report

1. Executive summary/ overview of issue The apparent need, within applicable legislation, to increase hours of medical professionals in facilities is seen in the level of overtime spending. These increased hours can be obtained through additional appointments or by increasing the work hours of staff already in the system beyond the traditional 40 hour week. For the latter, section 10 of the Basic Condition of Employment Act applies and stipulates that an hour worked overtime, should be remunerated at a rate no less than 1.5 times the normal hourly rate. It appears, based on spending on overtime that most provinces have opted for paying overtime as opposed to appointing additional staff.