UGT union urges companies to improve risk prevention to reduce sick leave

The labor union defends salary supplements for workers following criticism from the PIMEC business association regarding absenteeism.

Workplace safety equipment on an office desk in a modern work environment.
IA

Workplace safety equipment on an office desk in a modern work environment.

José Manuel Domínguez, health secretary of the UGT union, called on companies in Manresa this February to prioritize workplace safety to decrease temporary disability cases.

The UGT representative responded to statements made by Josep Ginesta, general secretary of the PIMEC business association, who claimed that sick leave benefits were creating a 'call effect'. Domínguez rejected this view, stating that workers do not seek absenteeism but rather aim to maintain their standard of living amidst rising inflation and housing costs in Catalonia.

"Nobody wants to be on sick leave. Salary supplement clauses exist so people can maintain their standard of living, not to increase absenteeism"

José Manuel Domínguez · Health Secretary of UGT Serveis Públics
The union also highlighted the lack of resources in the public healthcare system. According to Domínguez, urgent investment is needed to reduce waiting lists and ensure proper treatments. He also opposed allowing labor mutuals to manage medical leave for common illnesses, citing a structural conflict of interest.
Finally, UGT proposed that companies in the Bages region adapt workplaces to facilitate the relocation of employees with partial disabilities. Domínguez argued that an employee with back problems could be moved to office tasks, ensuring they remain employed while managing their health.