The sick leave debate

The presentation by the government of a document that focuses on a children’s policy between 2024 and 2030 has led to a public argument between employers and unions.

The government is proposing the idea that employees could utilise their sick leave allotment in cases when they need to stay at home to take care of their sick children.

The Malta Employers Association issued a statement to state that it does not agree with such an idea. There is already too much abuse of the system, it said. Allowing employees to utilise their sick leave entitlement when their children are unwell would be like opening another door for more abuse to take place.

A day later, the General Workers Union said that it endorses the government’s proposal, and will be fighting for the workers to be given this possibility. The union said that there are circumstances which force parents to stay at home with their sick children, and this should not be taken from their vacation leave. Instead, it should be their right to utilise sick leave entitlement for such purpose.

It must be remembered that different sectors of workers have a different allotment of sick leave, depending on their job. This ranges from 12 days to 30 days at full pay.

A report that the MEA published in 2020 shows that, on average, workers take between five and six days of sick leave per year. It showed that some workers are more prone than others to make use of this entitlement, and that youngsters are more likely to take sick leave than older workers.

Some decades ago this situation did not present itself that much, as most mothers did not have an employment. But over the years female participation in the world of work has increased – and continues to be encouraged – which means that such a problem is more common. When no one from the extended family or friends can take care of a sick child, one of the parents will have to stay at home.

The MEA’s arguments that by giving workers this possibility will open the way to abuse is valid. Too often, employees take advantage of their rights and some consider their sick leave allotment as an extension of their vacation leave. Some doctors then are too quick to sign sick leave certificates.

On the other hand, the GWU points out that workers should be trusted more, and that such a system will go a long way to make their life easier.

One argument that can be made is that, in today’s day and age, there are thousands of workers who can work from home. We saw it happen during the Covid-19 pandemic. So, perhaps, in these cases a compromise can be found on these sectors of workers.

As for the others, we hope that employers and unions will find common ground.