Sick leave is an accrued right and increases the longer an employee works for the same employer. The sick leave entitlement is a total entitlement per 12-month period, regardless of the type of illness or medical condition. If an employee is sick and cannot attend work, they must notify their supervisor. If the employer requires a doctor's note for an employee's illness, the employer is responsible for paying for it. Sick pay shall be disbursed in the same manner and at the same time as other payroll payments.
Child's illness
During the first six months of employment with an employer, a parent is permitted to take two days for each month worked to care for their sick children under the age of 13. After 6 months of employment, the right becomes 12 days per 12-month period. During these absences, the employee shall be paid regular wages and shift differential pay according to the regular rate/shift schedule.
Illness or accident on vacation
If an illness or accident occurs while an employee is on vacation, the employee must notify the workplace by verifiable means as soon as possible. The period during which the employee is unable to enjoy their vacation does not count as vacation time and may be taken at a later date.
Employees in the general labor market
Earns sick leave each 12-month period as follows:
- In the first year: Two days for each month worked.
- After 1 year of employment with the same employer: One month
- After 2 years of employment with the same employer: Two months
- After 3 years of employment with the same employer: Three months
- After 5 years of employment with the same employer: Four months
State and local government employees on monthly salaries
Earns sick leave each 12-month period as follows:
- 0-3 months on the job: 14 days
- Next 3 months on the job: 35 days
- After 6 months on the job: 119 days
- After 1 year in the position: 133 days
- After 7 years on the job: 175 days
- After 12 years on the job: 273 days
- After 18 years on the job: 360 days
Part-time state and municipal employees
Earns sick leave each 12-month period as follows:
- In the first year: Two days for each month worked.
- In the first month on the job: 2 days
- 2nd month on the job: 4 days
- 3 months in the job: 6 days
- After 3 months on the job: 14 days
- After 6 months on the job: 30 days
Other key points
- Maternity leave is available to pregnant women during their employment.
- You cannot negotiate away your sick leave.
- Sick leave is forfeited upon termination of employment. It does not matter whether the employee resigned or was terminated.
- If an employee is absent due to a work-related accident or on the direct route to or from work, and likewise if an employee falls ill with an occupational disease, they shall, in addition to their right to sick pay, retain their regular wages for three months. The above-mentioned right is a separate right and does not affect the employee's sick leave entitlement.