San Timoteo Hospital worker disputes unpaid uniform change time

A labor dispute has emerged at the San Timoteo Hospital in Termoli regarding the compensation of time spent changing into and out of service uniforms, a concept referred to as ‘tempo tuta’.

A hospital employee, represented by attorney Luca Damiano, has issued a formal notice to ASREM demanding payment for the minutes spent in locker rooms before and after shifts. The claim argues that because hygiene and biological safety protocols require staff to don and remove uniforms strictly within the hospital facility, this time should be classified as paid working hours.

The worker’s request seeks the recognition of salary differences based on time recorded via badge swipes. While currently centered on a single case, the dispute could have broader implications for other healthcare professionals required to follow similar uniform protocols.