Abstract
In a longitudinal study absenteeism, turnover (mainly for medical reasons) and their interrelations are studied amm urban busdrivers in the city of Groningen (1964- 1985 . This absenteeism problem is not due to short term absences. It is mainly caused by longterm sickness which are related to early medical disablement. The process of sickness and medical invalidity is manifestated during a period of four to five years, preceding the actual leave. fie number of sickness days of partially disabled drivers who are rehabilitated in a new job decreases dramatically after their rehabilitation.