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The Ministry of Labor (MOL) recently has received many inquiries about whether workers can take "vaccination leave" for the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), workers or civil servants can take a vaccination leave, starting from the date of vaccination until 24:00 on the following day, to receive vaccinations and if they experience adverse reactions after vaccination. An individual can apply to take such leave by providing his or her COVID-19 vaccination record card, and a certificate of diagnosis or any other certificate is not required.
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Employers should grant leave to workers who meet the requirements for vaccination leave. (Photo / Provided by MOL)
MOL mentioned that employers should grant leave to workers who meet the requirements for vaccination leave. In addition, it shall not be regarded as absenteeism, forcing labor to take as personal leave or other types of leave, and employers shall not be deducted from full-time bonuses, dismissed, or given unfavorable sanctions. However, employers are not forced to provide salaries for workers taking vaccination leave.
The purpose of vaccination leave is to provide workers with one more option for taking leave when they are vaccinated against COVID-19. Workers can also choose to take other leave types such as medical leave and special leave based on their own needs.
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MOL reminded employers not to violate the Labor Standards Act. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)
It is reminded that employers are considered violating the Labor Standards Act (勞動基準法) if they cut employee’s full-time bonuses, or force employees to take other types of leave. A fine of more than NT$20,000 and less than NT$1,000,000 can be imposed respectively.
