The article critiques Norway's current sick leave system, labeling it unfair and inadequate for the most vulnerable segments of the population, particularly those who lack access to benefits. The author responds to criticisms from Rødt leader Marie Sneve Martinussen, emphasizing that the existing structure does not support the weakest individuals, who often do not have accrued rights to sick pay due to their precarious employment situations.

The piece argues that while there are valid reasons to retain parts of the sick leave arrangement, a lack of willingness to reform could lead to significant consequences. Workers might face increased pressure to perform despite sickness, contributing to persistently high absenteeism. The article warns that this scenario would result in greater bureaucratic oversight, hindering necessary adjustments and pushing the government to allocate around 70 billion NOK to sick leave benefits instead of exploring a more equitable system that distributes the responsibility more evenly between employers, employees, and the state.

The author advocates for a balanced model that not only alleviates the burden on public funds but also improves the overall workplace environment. By reforming the current sick leave system, there is potential to unlock additional resources towards supporting low-income individuals and enhancing the welfare state.