Unpaid sick day does not apply to most of JHL’s agreement sectors

Paid absences due to illness have been extensively agreed in Trade Union JHL’s collective agreements. The Finnish Government’s plan to change the first sick day into an unpaid one does not apply to most of JHL’s members.

The Government Programme has an entry about changing the first sick day into an unpaid one. At this point, the entry only reflects the Finnish Government’s desire, and such a legislative amendment has not been made. Trade Union JHL will do everything it can to oppose this change.

Even if the legislative amendment entered into force in due time, the unpaid first sick day would not apply to most of JHL’s members. Both public and private sector collective agreements contain better provisions on sick leave than the law. The possible legislative amendment does not apply to collective agreements that stipulate something else about paid sick time than the legally required level.

Trade unions negotiate collective agreements, not the Finnish Government. Right now it is very important to be a trade union member. If you’re not yet a member, join easily online.

After the holidays, we will make a more exact summary on collective agreement entries in this matter in August.

If necessary, check your own collective agreement (page in Finnish).