PASYDY addresses regulations on public sector sick leave abuse

Following an inter-ministerial meeting held last Friday involving the Ministers of Finance, Justice, Health, and Labor, the civil servants' union PASYDY issued a statement regarding public sector sick leave. The union reported that over 90% of public employees do not utilize sick leave, emphasizing that it remains a fundamental right for both public and private sector workers. PASYDY expressed its commitment to protecting the rights of all employees, particularly those with chronic illnesses, to prevent discrimination. The union acknowledged that while individual cases of abuse may exist, the existing regulatory framework already contains sufficient provisions to address them. PASYDY stressed that instead of creating new restrictions, current rules should be applied more effectively to suppress abuse. The union also declared its readiness to cooperate with the government to address proven cases of fraud, while explicitly opposing any attempts to undermine established labor rights. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos noted that the issue of sick leave is a long-standing concern for the administration.