Sick leave

In Austria, sick leave entitlements are governed by the Austrian Labour Code (Arbeitsgesetzbuch) and collective bargaining agreements. When an employee becomes unable to work due to illness, the employer must continue paying wages during a statutory sick leave period, commonly referred to as "continued wage payment" (Entgeltfortzahlung im Krankheitsfall).

The duration of continued wage payment in Austria is typically four weeks per calendar year, calculated from the first day of incapacity. This period applies to employees who have completed their probationary period and are unable to work due to illness or injury. The employer remains obligated to pay the employee's regular wage during this time, provided the employee submits a medical certificate (Krankenstandsbestätigung) when required, usually after three consecutive days of absence.

The legal framework for sick leave is established in the Austrian Labour Code and is further detailed in various collective agreements that may provide more generous terms depending on the industry or sector. The Arbeiterkammer (Workers' Chamber) serves as a key authority providing guidance on employee rights in this area.

Employers and payroll teams must ensure they maintain accurate records of sick leave taken and continue wage payments without interruption during the statutory period. Medical documentation should be collected and retained according to legal requirements. After the four-week entitlement is exhausted, employees may be entitled to sickness benefits from the social insurance system. Compliance with these obligations is mandatory, and failure to pay continued wages during the statutory period constitutes a breach of employment law.