Sick pay is pay to the employee for the necessary absence from duty on a regularly scheduled work day because of illness, injury or exposure to contagious disease suffered by the employee not in the course of their employment, or illness in the employee's immediate family that necessitates the employee's absence from work or would result in serious hardship to the employee's family. Attendance to the immediate family member at the hospital while undergoing serious medical attention shall be included under this provision. Sick pay shall not be made for illness or injury incurred as a result of outside employment or as a result of any action within the control of the employee such as intentional self-inflicted wounds, use of drugs or alcoholic beverages (except for the treatment of abuse); nor for injuries sustained while committing a felony or other similar action. For the purpose of this section, immediate family shall include only the employee's father, mother, sister, brother, spouse or child. Where a special relationship exists between the employee and any other person for whom the employee would not normally be granted sick pay, said sick pay will be granted upon pre-authorization of this relationship by the Department of Human Resources. An affidavit stating the existing relationship and certifying that the person resides at the employee's household and is dependent on the employee for their well being must be approved by the Department of Human Resources prior to the utilization of any sick pay. The family illness provision shall be for a limited period of time (not to exceed seven (7) work days) to enable the employee to secure other arrangements for the care of the member of the employee's immediate family. Usage of "Sick Family" of over three (3) consecutive work days shall require a "Statement of Attending Physician".
An employee may substitute a physician's statement not on a City Statement of Attending Physician form, provided the statement shows treatment dates, diagnosis, that the employee was unable to work for the period covered, and that the employee is able to fully return to work. If the statement is accepted, a “Statement of Attending Physician” will not be required; if not, then a statement on the City's form is to be submitted within three (3) work days afterward.
In accordance with these provisions, it is recognized that sick pay is limited to necessary absences from duty due to illness or non work-related injury of the employee or an immediate family member that necessitates the employee's absence from work. It is also recognized that employees of the City of Toledo are engaged in the performance and delivery of vital services to our community. In order to ensure the efficient delivery of these services, good attendance on the part of the City's employees is necessary.
It is further recognized by current contract provisions, specifically Section 2117.101, “Reporting - Proof of Illness”, and Section 2117.103, “Excessive Absenteeism”, that any absence from duty as the result of a claimed illness or injury may be investigated during the employee's normal working hours.
The City does not intend to: act arbitrarily, capriciously, unreasonably, or in bad faith when investigating sick leave. Nor does the City intend to use sick leave investigation to harass an individual employee. Nor does the City intend to make home visits or calls without taking into account the individual's attendance record.