GWU demands ruling on sick leave entitlement

A number of patients suffering from sun burn, sports injuries, period pains or morning sickness have been denied sick leave by their employers.

Some patients recovering from cosmetic surgery were also informed they were not entitled to sick leave, the General Workers' Union said.

The union is stressing that once a doctor certifies that an employee is sick, the employer or manager cannot refuse authorising sick leave.

A GWU spokesman told The Times that although it does not keep records of such complaints, a number of section secretaries reported they have come across such problems, with the manufacturing sector receiving the highest number of complaints. "The employees would not be considered unwell and so lose out on sick leave rights and benefits," the GWU said.

The union has written to Industrial and Employment Relations Director Noel Vella, asking him to rule that employees are entitled to sick leave whenever they are certified unwell, even if the certificate is issued by a family doctor, irrespective of the cause of the illness.

When contacted, Dr Vella pointed out that the law lays down that a person is awarded sick leave when he is incapable to work. He said a doctor has the responsibility to judge whether an employee is capable to work or not.

The union said it was in contact with the Malta Employers' Association and the Medical Association of Malta to discuss the issue and find a practical solution.