Work stoppage

In Luxembourg, the social security system is based on solidarity mechanisms designed to ensure continuity of income in the event of incapacity for work.

Health and maternity insurance guarantees cash benefits to replace wages when an insured person is temporarily unable to work for health reasons, during leave to care for a person at the end of their life, or during maternity leave.

Maternity benefits include statutory maternity leave before and after childbirth, as well as similar situations such as exemption from work for pregnant women and adoption leave. Leave for family reasons allows parents to care for a sick child.

In the event of illness, the replacement income is shared between the employer and the National Health Fund (CNS). The employer is required to pay the salary until the end of the month in which the employee reaches the 77th day of incapacity, calculated over a reference period of 18 consecutive months.

Beyond these 77 days, and up to a maximum of 78 weeks, the CNS takes over to compensate the employee. This protection system covers both residents and cross-border workers.

It is important to note that the employee is required to inform their employer on the first day of their absence and to provide a medical certificate no later than the third day. This certificate must also be sent to the CNS so that the incapacity for work can be recognised and compensation can be paid in accordance with the rules in force.