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Originally Posted by Makarov
Just to be clear, this article says that hundreds of managers took some sick leave, not the full 16 weeks, over the last two years. So it is not really helpful in terms measuring the amount of abuse that may be occurring.
Also, presumably, especially with a formal attendance management program in place, any absence due to illness that extends beyond a few days or any absence after the nth short-term absence from work, must be supported by information from the employee's physician.
Lastly, many employers (including private sector employers) offer their employees short and long term disability insurance plans (the costs of which are borne by the employer) that can pay employees a large proportion of their lost earnings all the way to retirement (if the disability is supported by medical evidence).
Ultimately, although I'm sure that there is sick leave abuse, this article doesn't actually provide any evidence of it. Further, in my experience, the largest culprits in sick leave abuse are family physicians who all too frequently see themselves as advocates for their patients and will recommend time off from work at their patients' request.
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But you do have to ask the question, We spend more per person in terms of Health Services in the country and its not close, We have some of the worst wait times in the country and worse response times. I read an article that stated that this is a bad province to get cancer in, or bust a hip.
And we're seeing signs of abuse of the sick system.
I've advocated that the health Services System needs a full and deep audit, we're over manned in the wrong spot and wasting money on administration while the front line rots. We're short of critical equipment like MRI's and other essential tools because the government doesn't see itself and its department as delivery systems, they see them as job shacks and the Union loves that, and makes it impossible to reform it.
Its not doctors and nurses and front line workers that need to be cut down, obviously the unaffordable pensions and salary structures need to be reviewed. But its the administrative and management and even logistical side that needs to be reformed and made more streamline.