CATUS proposes amendment to Labor Law – No termination of employment during sick leave

The Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia (CATUS) reported yesterday that they had proposed an amendment to the Labor Law in order to enhance the protection of workers' rights while on sick leave.

It was proposed that the temporarily employed couldn't have their employment contracts terminated while being temporarily unable to work, that is, for the employment contract to keep getting extended until the expiration of the period in which the employee is unable to work.

As the CATUS says, this would prevent employers from firing employees or refusing to extend their contracts while on sick leave. The CATUS points to the fact that the termination of employment negatively impacts an employee who is sick and causes fear for one's existence, especially in cases of serious diseases.

– Furthermore, we are also taking into consideration the fact that leaving a sick worker without any income additionally jeopardizes their health – the report says.

The occasion for the amendment to the Labor Law proposed by the CATUS was the case of Yura Nis worker Violeta Petrovic, who had been notified that her temporary employment contract wouldn't be extended while on sick leave. Following the involvement of the public and local authorities, the employers decided to extend her contract.

Savez samostalnih sindikata Srbije Beograd

Yura Corporation d.o.o. Rača

Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia CATUS

Labor Law

protection of worker rights

worker rights

employee rights

sick leave

temporary employment

temporary employment contract

employment contract

termination of employment contract

Violeta Petrovic