Starting this June, Czech employees will see significant changes in their paid and unpaid leave entitlements, following a new government decision. The reform particularly enhances support for those dealing with family events and bereavements.
In a groundbreaking move, the legislation now explicitly recognizes all forms of partnerships, including registered partnerships and civil unions, putting them on equal footing with traditional marriages. For weddings or partnership ceremonies, employees will be entitled to two days off, with one paid day specifically for the ceremony itself.
The most substantial change affects bereavement leave. While employees currently receive two paid days plus an additional day for the funeral when losing an immediate family member, the new rules will provide up to five days of unpaid leave for grieving the loss of a spouse, partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling.
Job transition support has also been enhanced. Employees serving standard notice will receive four paid days off for job hunting, while those leaving due to performance issues will get two unpaid days. A new provision allows for two additional unpaid days to access employment office services.
The reform maintains existing protections for medical appointments and introduces new provisions for parents of children with special needs, allowing up to six days of unpaid leave annually for accompanying children to social service facilities or educational assessment centers.