Catalonia is embroiled in a heated debate over a new government initiative that could affect anyone facing temporary disability. The regional Department of Health has proposed linking part of the additional funding for primary healthcare centers to the reduction of sick leave duration, particularly for mental health and musculoskeletal conditions. This decision has sparked a wave of criticism from trade unions and opposition parties, who argue that such a measure could jeopardize the independence of medical decisions and workers’ rights.
The essence of the proposal is to allocate extra funds to medical institutions that show effectiveness in managing sick leave. Specifically, the focus is on cases where the length of temporary disability exceeds expected periods without clear medical grounds. According to the initiators, the goal is not simply to reduce the number of sick-leave days, but to improve the management process and eliminate delays stemming from organizational issues or a shortage of specialists.
However, unions and opposition representatives saw this step as an attempt to pressure doctors and patients. They fear that physicians will be forced to prematurely close sick leave cases to meet the new efficiency criteria, and employees will have to return to work before making a full recovery. The issue is especially pressing for those suffering from mental health disorders or chronic musculoskeletal diseases, as these groups are most often faced with long periods of incapacity.
Public reaction
Among medical staff and unions, the proposal sparked strong rejection. Leaders of the largest healthcare worker associations stated that such incentives undermine trust in the system and could lead to a decline in the quality of medical care. In their view, the decision on the length of sick leave should remain solely within the physician’s authority, and not depend on the financial interests of the institution.
Doctors point out that they are already dealing with a lack of resources and heavy workloads, and the new system will only increase the pressure. Some union representatives note that Catalonia already ranks among the regions with the shortest sick leaves in the country, and the real problem lies not in abuse, but in the lack of prevention and timely diagnosis.
At the same time, employers and business associations have supported the initiative, arguing that the increase in temporary disability cases negatively impacts the region’s economy. According to their estimates, spending on sick leave reaches significant amounts, and reducing their duration could improve the competitiveness of enterprises.
Political conflict
The situation worsened after public statements from high-ranking officials. The President of the Generalitat stressed that economic interests must not be placed above citizens’ health, especially after his own experience with a long-term sick leave. Opposition deputies accused the government of trying to shift responsibility for healthcare issues onto workers and doctors instead of addressing systemic shortcomings.
On social media and at rallies, accusations are being made that the new policy could increase distrust between patients and medical staff. Some activists believe such measures are merely an attempt to conceal chronic underfunding in the healthcare system and the lack of real reforms.
Trade unions are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the initiative, emphasizing that it violates workers’ rights and undermines the foundations of social protection. They point out that the main reason for prolonged sick leaves is not abuse, but rather difficulties in accessing specialists and delays in examinations.
Economy and consequences
The economic arguments put forward by reform proponents are based on data showing an increase in temporary disability expenses. Business associations claim that in recent years, the share of sick leaves in companies’ cost structures has risen significantly, and employee absences have become a major challenge for businesses.
In response, unions and experts point out that reducing sick leaves by putting pressure on doctors will not solve the problem and will only worsen the quality of healthcare. They emphasize the need to increase health funding, improve working conditions for medical staff, and implement modern disease prevention methods.
The debate over new incentives to reduce sick leaves in Catalonia has become a reflection of a larger issue—the search for a balance between economic efficiency and citizens’ rights protection. In the coming weeks, new protests and discussions in the regional parliament are expected.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly seen debates over reforming its temporary disability system. In 2024, similar proposals were discussed in Madrid and Valencia, where they also faced strong criticism from unions and the medical community. At that time, authorities were forced to reconsider their plans after widespread protests and strikes. Such conflicts highlight the sensitive balance between economic interests and workers’ rights, especially amid chronic underfunding of healthcare and a rise in chronic illnesses.
