Urda train crash: sick pay starts on the first day

In Urda, in Spain’s Toledo province, workers signed off sick because of the train crash get higher sick pay from their first day off work. Spain’s transport minister, Óscar Puente, announced the measure on Tuesday, 3 November, after a meeting of the Council of Ministers. For payment purposes, Social Security will treat their sick leave as if it resulted from an accident at work, rather than an ordinary illness.

Higher payments for disability and bereavement

The Council of Ministers also approved an aid package for victims and their families. Pensions for permanent disability and bereaved relatives, along with payments for partial permanent disability, will be calculated under the accident-at-work rules whenever that gives the recipient more money.

Staff covered by the state’s Clases Pasivas pension scheme may also receive higher pensions if the crash leads to permanent disability, widowhood, orphanhood or a pension for a parent. The higher rate applies only when it is more favourable to them.

No application needed for the special rules

The authorities will apply the payment rules automatically and retrospectively, Puente said. That includes cases where sick leave or a payment has already been approved or has since ended.

The government will also set up support offices through its regional network across Spain. They will help people affected by the crash apply for public aid and advance payments. Staff will visit those who have difficulty reaching an office at home.

Topics: Social affairs · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com