The Government is preparing a reform of the temporary disability system – popularly known as medical leave – to encourage voluntary return to work in certain situations. This was announced this Thursday by the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, during an informative breakfast.
The initiative, about which specific details are not yet known, will be debated with unions and employers at a social dialogue table that will be convened “imminently,” the minister stressed.
Saiz has highlighted that “technology and medical advances” make it easier for workers who wish to return to work in some sick leave processes. Of course, always on a “voluntary” basis and with a “health guarantee.” The minister has indicated that the current regulation is very “abrupt.” It only distinguishes between sick and active workers and does not leave the door open to intermediate situations.
Saiz has cited the example of cancer patients, who are one of the inspirations for the approach. He has also referred to sick leave in situations of multiple activity, when the worker suffers an illness that makes him incapable of one of his jobs, but not the other (or others).
The Government’s announcement occurs in a context in which temporary disabilities are at historic highs. Something that is largely explained by factors such as the record level of employment (if there are more people working, it is logical that there will also be more people on sick leave) or the aging of the active population.
The issue of medical leave generates an important division in social dialogue. Precisely, one of the last negotiation tables that have been closed recently has been on the role played by mutual collaborators with Social Security in temporary disability. Government, unions and businessmen agreed that public health doctors can refer the treatment of trauma sick leave to mutual insurance companies. Although registrations will continue to be the exclusive responsibility of public doctors.
Businessmen tried to go further and give a greater role to mutual societies, which are business associations that collaborate with Social Security in the management of these processes. However, the unions opposed it. Perhaps, precisely for this reason, the measure has been received with certain reluctance in some union centers.
After hearing the news, the Secretary of Public Policies and Social Protection of CCOO, Carlos Bravo, has asked the minister to have “discretion” on matters that “can generate uncertainty for people with deteriorating health.” “It is not the best way to move forward,” he said. Bravo has refused to evaluate the measure and has stated that there is still no working group on this issue.
