Workplace. Archival photo.
Russian employees face the risk of job termination for unexcused absences exceeding four hours. This was disclosed by Elena Rybakova, Deputy Head of the Legal Labor Inspectorate of the Moscow Federation of Trade Unions and an Honored Lawyer of Moscow, in an interview with `Prime` agency.
Rybakova clarified that any absence from work lasting more than four hours without a valid reason is legally classified as truancy or absenteeism. Such a violation can lead to the termination of an employee`s labor contract.
However, the legal expert stressed that despite the Labor Code formally allowing dismissal for a single instance of such a breach, employers are still obligated to investigate the circumstances thoroughly. They must ascertain the employee`s level of culpability, verify the absence of any legitimate excuses, and determine if the employer incurred any negative consequences as a result of the violation.
For minor delays, such as five to ten minutes, an employer is more likely to opt for a cautionary discussion with the employee rather than imposing severe penalties.
The expert advises employees to always arrive on time to prevent any workplace issues. In situations involving unforeseen circumstances, it is crucial to promptly inform management about any potential delays.
