Nicosia, Cyprus. Union officials on Friday said planned reforms to tighten sick leave controls across the civil service must preserve the rights of employees with genuine medical conditions. They supported measures against abuse but called for consultation and safeguards for workers with chronic illnesses.
Union concerns
Pasydy secretary general Stratis Mattheou told the Cyprus News Agency that the union supported efforts to combat sick leave abuse but was not prepared to abolish acquired rights.
Mattheou said Pasydy’s main concern was protecting workers with chronic illnesses and that any changes should be introduced through consultation rather than imposed unilaterally.
Sek representative Andreas Elia said the union was open to dialogue but warned that reforms should not result in workers being unfairly targeted.
“It would be wrong to victimise certain people,” he said, adding that some organisations already use occupational doctor systems to independently assess sick leave requests.
Police checks
Police officers are already subject to more extensive checks than other public sector employees.
Under the existing police framework, officers who fall ill must submit a special medical certificate completed by their doctor, including the exact diagnosis of their condition.
Where reasonable questions arise over an absence period, police directors may order inspections at an officer’s home to verify compliance with medical instructions. Surprise checks may also be carried out, while suspected cases of false illness can lead to disciplinary investigations.
