What's "pull sickies" mean here?

[gxiang]

a news from ft.com says that "Businesses fear a surge in absenteeism this summer as staff "pull sickies" to watch World Cup matches. "

does it mean that staff is going to ask for a sick leave?

[brimstone11]

'Pulling a sickie' basically means taking a day off of work to do something (in this case, watch the football), but telling your boss that you're ill. :)

[gxiang]

Thanks a lot :)