The most notable point in the Updates CLA regarding illness and incapacity for work is the presence of a waiting day for each sick report by the employee. This waiting day is even deducted in the event of a workplace accident or robbery.
Waiting days are deducted from your holiday balance, meaning the employee effectively pays for the first day they are ill. Only in the retail and supermarket sectors is a waiting day for illness an option for employers. In cleaning, there are 2 waiting days for illness. This is perceived as so unfair that cleaners have been striking for almost 3 months; you don’t choose to be ill!
We understand that employers want to create a barrier to prevent unauthorised sick leave, but well-motivated employees have no reason to report sick without cause. Additionally, this approach also penalises loyal employees when they are genuinely ill. In a modern labour market, the relationship between employer and employee should be based on trust and results, not mistrust and presence. Taking a sick day from the employee each time is unfair and ‘penalises’ the employee twice: you are ill, and it costs you money too!
In our view, this measure is demotivating and gives the impression that there is no trust in the employee: this benefits no one! It negatively impacts the attractiveness of the hospitality sector and the motivation of the employee! We therefore propose abolishing the waiting day for illness! Especially if you are ill due to a workplace accident or other unfortunate event at work! Observing a waiting day when you are ill is already unfair, but in those cases, it is utterly absurd!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.