Sick leave and vacation hours: What to do?

Questioner

Well before my due date I have to report sick for half days. I have planned days off during the Christmas period. Do I have to take half days, or will full days be deducted from my vacation days? I work in the collective labor agreement for the care workers (not a care worker, so no shifts).

Lawyer

During illness you do not have to take vacation hours. When you are ill during/around the holidays, you do not have to take vacation hours. Incidentally, an employee is always either 100% fit or 100% sick to perform the agreed work. Being 50% sick refers to the fact that you can still perform part of your work during illness. In the context of reintegration/Gatekeeper, you must do so. So you could even argue that you do not have to take any vacation hours at all. Many employers do not know this or do not want to know this.