In Finland a case drew public attention in which a man obtained a temporary incapacity for work certificate after his pet cat died. According to reports, because the employer did not recognize the psychological condition related to the cat’s death as a “valid reason”, the matter went to court.
It is reported that the cat had a serious illness and euthanasia had to be carried out. The owner submitted the sick leave certificate to his workplace and even provided a medical statement. However, the company management did not accept the documents and told him to “either return to work or resign”.
Because of pressure the man returned to work, but later he was dismissed on the grounds of “absence from work without a valid reason”. After that he appealed to the district court in the city of Tampere, and the judges sided with the claimant.
As a result, the company was obliged to pay the former employee more than 40 thousand euros. This amount included compensation, payment for the sick leave period, and court costs. However, the man himself could not use this money — he died before the court decision was announced. Therefore, the court decided to include the 40 thousand euros in the inheritance.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
