Workers' Rights in Israel: Everything You Need to Know About Convalescence Pay
Convalescence pay (Dmai Havra'a) is one of the most well-known and important payments for employees in Israel. It is an annual sum of money that an employer is obligated to pay an employee after they have completed at least one full year of work. Originally, the payment was intended to help employees fund a vacation or holiday, but today it is considered an integral part of every employee's social rights.
Eligibility for the number of convalescence days is determined by the employee's seniority at the workplace. According to the law, an employee who has completed their first year is entitled to five convalescence days. As the employee accumulates more years of experience at the same place, the number of days gradually increases. For example, very senior employees, with 20 years of experience or more, can receive up to ten convalescence days each year.
The monetary value of each convalescence day varies between the private and public sectors. In the private sector, the daily rate is fixed and updated periodically, while in the public sector, the amounts are generally higher. Most employers choose to pay convalescence pay once a year, usually in the summer months' salary (June, July, or August), but there are workplaces that spread the payment monthly throughout the year.
In conclusion, convalescence pay is a basic right designed to maintain employee well-being. It is recommended that every employee monitor their pay stubs and ensure that the payment is made according to the seniority they have accumulated. Understanding these rights is an important step in properly managing a career and ensuring the conditions you are entitled to under Israeli law.