Germany: Teacher on Sick Leave for 16 Years, Still Getting Paid!

A teacher in Germany received sick leave for 16 years and continued to be paid regularly, with an annual salary of 55,000 euros. The case was revealed by a state agency.

The biology and geography teacher had taken leave in August 2009 due to a chronic condition and psychological problems. Although she was supposed to be re-examined by a doctor after three months, her leave was systematically renewed.

After 16 years, the agency requested a new medical examination, but the teacher refused and filed a lawsuit. She worked at the Berufskolleg vocational high school in Wesel since 2003.

The case came to light in 2024 after a change in management and an internal audit. Dorothee Feller, Minister of Education of North Rhine-Westphalia, stated she was unaware of a similar case.

It is difficult to recover the amounts received by the teacher, as it would have to be proven that she lied about her health.

Source: Ethnos