From the state social agents, the UGT and CCOO unions have put forward their rejection of a ‘flexible leave’ approach, while the CEOE has avoided evaluating the start of these negotiations.
The Spanish government this Monday proposed to social agents at state level the possibility of allowing “a gradual return” to the workplace, after always being on sick leave under medical supervision.
The State Secretary for Social Security and Pensions, Borja Suarezexplained to the media after the opening of the social dialogue table on temporary disability that there are situations where “gradual reintegration” is the most effective formula to ensure an improvement in workers’ health.
Suárez has insisted that any change will involve medical supervision, that this “gradual development” will take place after discharge and that benefits and salary can somehow be made compatible.
From social security, they explain that these cases can occur, for example, during redeployments after long-term sick leave, where a return to full-time work can be more problematic or lead to a relapse. In all cases, they have emphasized, this return to activities would occur once the person has been discharged, that is, the person has recovered.
Combining salary collection with disability benefits is currently not possible, so a measure should be formulated in that regard.
From the social state agents, the unions UGT and CCOO have rejected a “flexible leave” approachwhile the CEOE has avoided evaluating the start of these negotiations.
‘It is frivolous and irresponsible’considered the Minister of Public Policy and Social Protection of CCOO, Carlos Bravo. He also informed the press at the end of the meeting that Social Security has expressed its concerns about the increase in expenditure on temporary disability benefits, but that no proposals have been made.
The secretary of Institutional Policy and Territorial Policy of the UGT, Cristina Estevezhas also demanded written proposals. ‘Til there isn’t any a solid proposalwe cannot talk about what the ministry is planning. Yes, it is true that I would like to send a message of calm about this social alarm,” he indicated.
Estévez has pointed out that “under no circumstances are the social actors who are part of the social dialogue table, none of them, nor trade union employers, in favor of any form of flexible leave, i.e. an anomaly“.
Source: EITB
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