I've recently got a new job and it's actually my first one with a contract, which I signed today (all previous ones were temporary stuff that didn't need contracts such as a Movie Extra).

So today I was discussing leave and sick leave with my employer and he told me that he doesn't pay in such days within his company. I'm pretty happy with the job, been on it for well over a month and although I should know this kind of information, I haven't really looked into it.

Now I know this may vary between different countries and different employers but would like your insight on it and if it's legal for my employer to do this.

I have no intention of quitting the job regardless of the answers, it's already hard as it is finding a job here so I don't really have much of a choice either.

I don't get paid for sick leave.

Of course I work for my parents so every time I try to call in sick I get, "I'll show you sick you winey little shit!"

In the EU your minimum paid sick leave is usually protected by law if your a full time worker (In Malta 2 weeks at full pay is protected by law if your a full time worker iirc). Contractors however are generally not covered by these laws.

I'd have to look it up to be sure but I would assume wodmarch is right and it will be an EU enforced thing.

And unless things work vwry differently there even if your contract states you waive those rights (or something to that effect) it shouldn't stand as a contract can't take away statutory rights, only add to them.

I forgot to add that the current contract is of 3 months (still on a probation to see how I perform), how is that handled in such a case?

Well they would probably just not extend your contract if you got sick a lot or for a long time.
Still, I'm pretty sure that no matter the duration of the contract they're still legally obligated to pay you when you get sick.

Depending on the laws of your country, you may not even be eligible for leave time with a 3mths contract.

As adaliabooks said, a contract can't take away statutory rights, but what those rights are in your country depend on your laws. My advice is to consult with whatever public office has authority over employment matters. Because, unless someone here knows your laws inside out, you can't rely on the info anyone gives you in this thread.

Short answer: That depends on your country. Where I live it is impossible to waive money for sick leave. You do have to get a doctor's confirmation that you were too sick to work though.

I'm definitely going to start looking into it, my guess is because it's a 3 month contract and there's a high chance I'll qualify for a 1 year renovation and I'll surely bring that up by that point, and when I've gathered enough info.

Thanks for all your answers, much appreciated :-)

Is there a Union there?

We have one and it cares about workers. I thought it over and over this evening and came to a conclusion to keep the waters calm for now since it's a 3 month contract, it expires in April so I'll be well informed by then.

My country has a 6 month probation period for any job,so as you said wait it out.Try not to sign work contracts as they are Employer rigged and good luck.

3 month contract means be on your very best behavior and do the very best job possible. You want to be seen as an asset not as a potential problem child.

If you get sick you need to suck it up and go work anyways, unless it's an emergency or you are infectious (in which case - get a 'doctor's note', and get back to work ASAP after the risk is over).

If you are a contractor, the contract company that hired you might have a website and that website might have the info you seek - in which case you can look it up discreetly and not potentially "advertise" (by asking) that you might be a problem child in the making...