Oncology workers: the "comportamento" law guarantees further rights

First of all, it must be emphasized that the legislation approved by the Senate to support cancer patients marks a further step forward in the advancement of patient rights. For this, we must also thank the many parliamentarians who, across the political spectrum, strongly supported this law, along with us. The controversy among some regarding the merits of the text, which has now become law, remains unclear.

Previously, the so-called grace period, the maximum period of unpaid leave from work for treatment, was six months by law (unless paid or longer periods were provided for in individual employment contracts). Today, it is 24 months for all workers with a disability rating of at least 74%. In the past, many workers were fired for extending their treatment period beyond the permitted limit. They were then forced to resort to legal action, which entailed lengthy procedures, uncertain outcomes, legal costs, and additional stress for the patients and their families.

Regarding leave, before the new law, workers were entitled to it for visits and tests (generally between 10 and 18 hours per year). Now, an additional 10 hours of paid leave per year have been added for both workers with at least 74% disability and parents of minor children with serious oncological or chronic conditions. Therefore, up to 28 hours of paid leave per year will be available.

Furthermore, "previously," access to remote working was not guaranteed as a priority for oncology workers. Today, when workers with cancer or serious chronic illnesses return from sick leave, they have priority access to remote working. This will allow them to balance ongoing treatment with their work.

It should also be emphasized that previously, self-employed workers had no protection in the event of serious illness. Today, they can suspend their activity for up to 300 days a year, allowing them to dedicate themselves to their own care without having to perform their duties towards their client.