In recent days, brightly colored posters and leaflets have appeared in Catalan medical centers, urging residents to act responsibly when requesting sick leave. These materials, developed by the Department of Health of the Generalitat, have sparked intense debate between unions and employers. The posters, displayed in waiting rooms and offices, highlight the high rate of temporary disability in the region and call for the ‘proper use’ of sick leave.
Unions, particularly CC OO and UGT, strongly condemned the new campaign. They demand the immediate removal of all materials, calling them degrading to workers, especially given the rising incidence of flu. CC OO representatives emphasize that people do not choose to get sick, and such messages only increase feelings of guilt among patients and medical staff. In their view, the campaign is misleading and unfairly accuses workers of abuse.
Employers’ response
At the same time, employers, who have long voiced concerns about the increase in sick leaves, have supported the authorities’ initiative. Antonio Cañete, head of the Pimec organization, stated that the responsible use of healthcare resources is a critical task for everyone. He noted that the system’s capabilities are limited and called for a responsible approach to temporary disability claims.
The posters provide detailed explanations of what temporary disability is and who is eligible for it and on what grounds. In particular, they emphasize that only a doctor, not the employee or employer, can decide to issue a sick leave certificate. The posters also cite statistics: although Catalonia accounts for 17% of all people insured in Spain’s social security system, the region is responsible for 25% of all sick leaves nationwide.
Authorities’ Position
The health department explained that the campaign targets a broad audience and complies with current regulations. According to officials, the main objective is to inform citizens about sick leave procedures and to remind them of the importance of using this right responsibly. Authorities also noted that the materials were initially intended for online distribution, and the presence of posters in medical centers was the initiative of individual staff members.
Health Department head Olga Pané (Olga Pané) said in an interview that Catalonia holds the second highest number of sick leaves in Spain, which is a cause for concern among authorities. She urged residents to use sick leave only for medical reasons and to trust the judgment of healthcare professionals.
Union Response
The unions disagree with the authorities’ position, arguing that such campaigns undermine trust in the healthcare system. CC OO General Secretary Belén López publicly called on Olga Pané to stop supporting the rhetoric of employers and to meet to discuss the issue. According to the unions, the campaign unfairly targets both employees and medical staff, who issue sick leaves based on medical grounds.
CC OO emphasizes that every patient has the right to medical care and sick leave if necessary for recovery. The unions insist that it is the state’s responsibility to provide sufficient resources for the healthcare system and safeguard citizens’ rights, not restrict their access to sick leave.
