A day of short leave for a communion or spring celebration?

The Day of the Celebration

Your employee is entitled to be absent on the day of their child's solemn communion or the celebration of secular youth. However, if the celebration occurs on a Sunday, a public holiday, or a day of regular inactivity, the employee may take leave on the preceding or the following ordinary working day.

The right to short leave does not extend to the first communion or a private communion celebration.

It is possible that more favourable provisions exist within your sector or company. In such cases, your employee may still be entitled to short leave for the first communion or for a private communion celebration.

…of Their Own Children

“Own children” refers to the child of your employee, as well as the child of their spouse or legally cohabiting partner.

An adopted child or a child recognised by law is treated the same as a legitimate or legitimised child, and the individual with whom the employee legally cohabits is regarded as a spouse.

If multiple children celebrate their communion or secular youth celebration on the same day, your employee is entitled to only one day of short leave. Therefore, the number of days of short leave is not doubled for the communion of twins.

Under What Conditions Does Your Employee Retain Their Pay?

To qualify for short leave while retaining their right to pay, your employee must meet the following conditions:

• Notify you in advance, or at the very least, inform you as soon as possible
• Utilise the leave for the purpose for which it was granted
• Experience loss of pay due to their absence

As an employer, you cannot prevent the taking of short leave. However, you may request that your employee provide proof.

More Information?

To learn more about the various events that qualify for short leave and to access all relevant information regarding this matter, please consult our file on short leave.