Maladie ou fraude? Les clés de la crise des congés médicaux: du vieillissement à la santé mentale... et l'impact de la réforme du travail

The Spanish political landscape has been rocked by renewed controversy over the issue of absenteeism, particularly concerning medical leaves (incapacidades temporales). The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and major trade unions have strongly criticized recent statements made by the opposition’s leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who described absenteeism as a “cancer” for the economy. In response, the People's Party (PP) has shifted its approach slightly, proposing incentives aimed at reducing workplace absence while maintaining its stance on cutting benefits for workers suspected of fraudulent claims.

Feijóo’s remarks came during a meeting with business leaders in the Basque Country, where he called for measures to tackle the growing financial burden caused by excessive absenteeism. According to reports, the cost of these absences has surged dramatically, reaching over 33 billion euros annually. This figure includes both direct costs borne by the Social Security system and indirect losses suffered by companies due to reduced productivity and additional expenses related to substitute workers. Feijóo argued that many workers receive full salary compensation even when they are not working, which he claimed creates perverse incentives. He suggested that such payments should be reduced, especially in cases where there is no justification for the absence.

This statement sparked immediate backlash from government officials and union representatives. President Sánchez condemned Feijóo’s rhetoric, stating that calling absenteeism a “cancer” was misleading and that sick leave is not a choice but a necessity for vulnerable workers. Yolanda Díaz, the minister for Women, Equality, and Gender Violence, emphasized that reducing protections for sick workers would be discriminatory. Unai Sordo of CCOO accused Feijóo of wanting to force sick employees back to work, while Pepe Álvarez of UGT criticized him for failing to distinguish between legitimate absenteeism and fraudulent claims.

Despite this criticism, the PP has attempted to clarify its position. Juan Bravo, the party’s deputy secretary for Finance, stated that Feijóo was referring specifically to situations involving fraud in sick leave claims, not to genuine illness. He acknowledged that the current system allows for full salary compensation without justification, which he believes encourages abuse. However, he also stressed that the goal is not to penalize genuinely ill workers but to address systemic issues within the current framework.

In an interview with ELMUNDO, Alberto Nadal, the PP’s deputy secretary for Economy, explained that the party aims to introduce greater flexibility in collective bargaining agreements to ensure that incentives align with economic realities. He noted that previous proposals had focused on eliminating supplementary salary components, but the new strategy emphasizes collective incentives designed to reduce overall absenteeism. These incentives, however, remain vague, with Nadal refusing to specify their exact nature.

The debate has broader implications beyond the PP’s internal strategy. The rise in sick leave rates has been attributed to several factors, including aging populations, increased prevalence of mental health issues, and longer waiting times for medical care. Experts suggest that the 2021 labor reform introduced by Yolanda Díaz, which significantly reduced temporary contracts and increased permanent employment, may have contributed to higher sick leave rates. While more stable employment can lead to better access to healthcare, it also means fewer opportunities for workers to take time off without fear of losing their jobs.

The PP’s proposal to cut benefits for suspected fraudulent claims has drawn particular ire from labor organizations. They argue that such measures could inadvertently affect legitimate sick workers and fail to address the root causes of the problem. Meanwhile, the business community continues to push for reforms that would shift more responsibility onto the Social Security system and allow employers greater discretion in managing sick leave processes.

As the debate intensifies, the PP faces mounting pressure to provide concrete solutions rather than vague promises. With upcoming elections looming, the party must balance its desire to appeal to business interests with the need to maintain public support among workers. The challenge lies in crafting policies that effectively reduce absenteeism without undermining the rights of genuinely ill individuals. Whether the PP’s revised approach will succeed remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the issue of sick leave has become a central point of contention in Spain’s ongoing political and economic discourse.