Newsroom
The government is preparing changes to the rules on sick leave across the public sector, saying the goal is to tackle abuse while protecting the system for employees who genuinely need time off because of illness.
Justice Minister Costas Fityris confirmed that legislation is being drafted following discussions with the finance, labour and health ministries. He stressed that the proposals would apply across the public service rather than only to his ministry.
The issue affects thousands of public employees and has long been the subject of debate, balancing the need to prevent misuse with the right of workers to recover from illness without fear of losing important benefits.
As part of the government's preparations, Fityris recently met Cyprus Medical Association president Dr Petros Agathangelou. Discussions with the medical profession are expected to continue before any final decisions are made.
Trade unions representing employees in semi-government organisations say they are willing to discuss possible changes but want to be involved before any bill reaches parliament.
Andreas Elia, secretary general of OHO-SEK, said sick leave is a basic employment right that exists to protect workers facing health problems. He warned that any reform must take special care not to disadvantage people living with serious or chronic illnesses.
He said the government should first present clear evidence on the scale of any abuse before introducing changes.
Elia pointed out that some organisations already use occupational doctors to examine medical certificates and review sick leave claims. He believes these checks can reduce unnecessary absences while still protecting employees who are genuinely unwell.
He also argued that reforms should be agreed through discussions with trade unions rather than imposed by the state.
SIDIKEK-PEO secretary general Nikos Grigoriou echoed those concerns, saying he was surprised by reports about the proposed changes and insisting that any reform should follow the normal consultation process.
According to Grigoriou, the issue affects employees across municipalities, communities, district local government organisations and semi-government bodies, making discussions with all affected groups essential.
He also recalled that a previous government bill on sick leave was eventually withdrawn after failing to gain enough support.
Grigoriou said there must be a balance between protecting workers who are genuinely ill and dealing with people who abuse the system.
He added that collective agreements in municipalities already include sick leave provisions, while some semi-government organisations have introduced occupational doctors to verify medical certificates.
Union representatives are expected to meet the Finance Ministry's director general in early September, where they hope the issue will be discussed formally before any legislation is introduced.
