Leave of Absence Due to Illness: Employee Rights and What Foreign Workers Need to Know
What Is Sick Leave in Greece?
Employees in Greece who are unable to work due to illness are entitled to take sick leave, provided they follow the required procedure and submit the necessary medical documentation.
Sick leave is not considered a holiday or personal leave. It is a legally recognised absence due to health reasons.
Employee Responsibilities During Sick Leave:
Inform your employer as soon as possible (preferably via mail)
Provide the required medical certificate or medical documentation
Eligibility for Sick Leave Payments
To be entitled to employer-paid sick leave compensation, employees generally need to have completed at least 10 days of work with the same employer.
The exact rights and duration may depend on factors such as length of employment, Insurance status,The duration and nature of the illness.
First 3 Days of Illness
For the first three days of absence:
The employer pays half of the daily wage for each day of absence.
No sickness benefit is paid by e-EFKA during this initial period.
From the 4th Day Onwards:
The employee receives a sickness benefit from e-EFKA (calculated as 50% of the daily wage), while the employer pays the difference up to the employee’s regular daily wage, depending on the terms of the employment contract.
Medical Certificate: It must be issued by a doctor (or a healthcare facility) and submitted promptly to the company’s HR department or payroll office.
Generally:
Employees with less than one year of service may be entitled to employer compensation for up to 13 days.
Employees with more than one year of service may be entitled to compensation for up to 26 days.
The exact calculation depends on the individual employment and insurance circumstances.
How Can Employees Protect Their Rights?
For workers taking sick leave in Greece, it is essential to:
Report Illness Promptly: Notify your employer of your illness as soon as possible, ideally within the first few days of absence.
Submit Medical Documentation: Ensure that you have a proper medical certificate and that it is submitted to your employer on time. This helps avoid complications in receiving sick pay or benefits.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the details of your employment contract and the relevant labor laws surrounding sick leave and disability. If in doubt, consult with us for guidness.
Stay in Communication with Your Employer: Prefer mail comunication for keepping the company informed.
Conclusion
Sick leave in Greece is a fundamental worker’s right, ensuring that employees have the support they need during times of illness. Employees are protected against unfair treatment or unlawful dismissal related to illness.
However, every situation depends on the specific circumstances, for this reason, employees facing complex situations may benefit from professional legal advice.