The right of employees to receive wages during absences caused by illness or accidents—for which the employer bears no responsibility—is one of the most important achievements of the labour movement. Minimum rules on sick leave and accident leave are generally set out in legislation, and these rights are expanded in the collective agreements.
During each 12-month period, employees are entitled to paid sick leave and accident leave in accordance with the table below. These rights are based on continuous employment with the same employer, subject to provisions in collective agreements on accrued rights.
|
Length of Service |
Duration |
Pay |
|
During the first year of employment |
2 days for each month worked |
Substitute rates (Staðgengilslaun) |
|
After 1 year |
1 month |
Substitute rates |
|
After 2 years |
2 months |
1 month at substitute rates + 1 month at daytime wages |
|
After 3 years |
3 months |
1 month at substitute rates + 2 months at daytime wages |
|
After 5 years |
4 months |
1 month at substitute rates + 1 month at full daytime rates + 2 months at daytime wages |
After 5 years of employment with the same company, employees retain part of their sick leave rights even if they move to another job.
Right to sick leave is a total/aggregate right for each 12-month period.
For further details, see Chapter 8 of the collective agreement between SGS and the Confederation of Icelandic Enterprice (SA).