Čistoća Split faces high sick leave rates and labor dispute

The Split-based utility company Čistoća is facing significant staffing challenges during the peak tourist season, with 80 employees—one-fifth of its 400-person workforce—currently on sick leave. Director Vlado Pehar noted that the absences primarily affect operational staff rather than administrative personnel.

To address the issue, management has introduced new measures to financially incentivize regular work and discourage sick leave. The company has also hired approximately 20 temporary workers to help manage the workload during the high season.

In a related development, the company terminated one employee following allegations of sick leave abuse. The worker, who was reportedly on sick leave due to a workplace injury, was allegedly identified on a football team roster while on leave. The company's union has opposed the dismissal, arguing that evidence is insufficient and that the worker is a long-term, reliable employee whose actions were misunderstood.