Galicia introduces reintegration coordinators for workers returning from leave

The Xunta de Galicia has approved the Integral Plan for the Improvement of Prevention, Labor Wellbeing, and Healthy Reintegration to Work in Galicia 2026-2029. A key feature of this €45 million program is the creation of the role of reintegration coordinator.

This voluntary position will involve professionals with experience in prevention who will assist employees returning to work after medical leave, particularly long-term absences. The goal is to coordinate with companies and implement corrective measures to prevent relapses.

The plan includes 37 measures aimed at addressing avoidable absences and unnecessary extensions of temporary disability. The initiative follows discussions regarding labor absenteeism in Galicia, which currently holds the second-highest rate of work absences in Spain. While some unions previously criticized efforts to address sick leave as potential criminalization of workers, the current plan follows a social dialogue agreement involving UGT and employer associations.