The government proposes greater possibilities for taking work leave in specific situations. The proposal, which was prepared by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, is now in the comments process. If it is approved, it will bring about several fundamental changes that could improve the conditions of employees caught up in a complicated life situation.
Extension of leave in case of death of loved ones
One of the main changes is the extension of the entitlement to work leave in the event of the death of a loved one. You are currently entitled to two days of paid leave for the death of a spouse, partner or child, and another day to attend a funeral. If you lose other relatives, such as parents, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren, you will only be given time off for the funeral or its organization.
Newly, employees could take up to five days of unpaid leave in the event of the death of any loved ones. The ministry emphasizes that the current legislation is socially insensitive, as it forces the bereaved to either start work or take leave while coping with the loss of a loved one. The new measure is intended to allow employees to grieve with dignity without being forced to deal with work responsibilities. However, so that the change does not burden the employer too much, this leave will be unpaid.
Free during the notice period
Newly, the employee will be entitled to two days off if he is at the time of notice, so that he has time to use the advisory services of the Labor Office. The aim of this measure is to facilitate the search for a new job or the solution to retraining even before the termination of the current employment relationship. The Ministry hopes that this will shorten the period of unemployment and, as a result, less will be spent on supporting the unemployed.
In addition, the system of time off during the notice period will also change. Instead of half a day a week, employees will be entitled to four paid days. However, if the employee is dismissed due to his own breach of duty, he will only be entitled to two unpaid days. If the employee terminates the employment relationship by agreement or resigns himself, he will receive four unpaid days off.
Free for same-sex couples
The new proposal also introduces the right to work leave for same-sex couples after entering into a registered partnership. These employees will be entitled to two days off, one of which will be paid. With this step, the government is trying to ensure equal conditions for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Time off for emergencies
Another change is a broader definition of extraordinary events, due to which it is possible to not come to work. Until now, it was practically only possible to refer to weather effects that hinder the journey to work. Newly, other natural disasters such as floods, fires, landslides, industrial accidents and others will also apply to the legally guaranteed reasons for absence from work.
Next step of the design
The draft government regulation is now in the comment process, which means that it can still change. If it is approved by the government, it will come into force two months after its publication in the Collection of Laws, which could happen this year.
Source: zpravy.tiscali.cz
