Düsseldorf,Germany – A teacher in North Rhine-Westphalia,Germany,has been receiving a full salary for over 16 years while on sick leave,refusing to undergo a medical examination to substantiate their claimed health issues.The case has sparked outrage and debate over the benefits afforded to German civil servants.
The teacher initially requested sick leave in 2009, citing health problems. Since then, they have continuously been paid by the North Rhine-Westphalia Provincial Education Authority.
In Germany, teachers hold the status of civil servants, a position that provides advantages over other state employees, including specialized healthcare, enhanced pension benefits, and greater job security. A key benefit is the potential for continued full salary during sick leave, with no theoretical time limit.
The Education Authority questioned the prolonged absence and requested a medical assessment. The teacher subsequently filed a lawsuit against the authority, but the case was dismissed by the court. The court described the situation as “truly incomprehensible,” affirming the employer’s right to require proof of illness.
Scandalous
According to reports in German daily newspaper Die Welt and the Telegraph, teachers in North Rhine-Westphalia can earn up to €6,174 (approximately 2.4 million Hungarian forints) per month. This suggests the teacher has been receiving an annual salary of around €72,000 (approximately 28.5 million Hungarian forints) during their extended sick leave.
Andreas Bartsch, president of the State Teacher Union, strongly condemned the teacher’s actions. “I have never experienced such a thing throughout my professional career,” he stated, calling it “a completely miserable behavior” and “a slap in the face” to union members. He also pointed out that German law does not mandate replacement coverage for teachers on sick leave, as reported by Metro.
The case highlights potential vulnerabilities within the German civil servant system, raising concerns about the balance between employee benefits and the effective operation of public institutions. The lack of a mandatory medical review process for long-term sick leave among civil servants is a central point of contention. The situation has prompted calls for reform to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
