AA sick leave harassment
 

Whats the deal with this? I guess the old saying "Beatens will continue until moral improves" holds true here?


Date: Tue, 14 May 2008 13:12:38 -050140

From: APA President

Subject: Update on Continuing Sick Leave Harassment

Update on continuing sick leave harassment

As you know, management has increased their pressure and harassment of some pilots who use sick leave. The most recent twist involves chief pilots calling pilots (or leaving voicemails) and “counseling” them about their use of sick. The chief pilot also sends the pilot a letter via FedEx (what we term a “FedEx-tigation” letter) referring to the call/voicemail, notifying the pilot that his/her use of sick will be “closely observed,” and enclosing an “Urgent Medical Certificate” for the pilot’s signature authorizing release of his/her medical records to AA Medical as well as authorizing dialog between their personal physician and AA Medical to be used for any future sick use. This FedEx-tigation letter and such calls and voicemails are a clear violation of your Section 21 right to union representation. The APA Board of Directors strenuously objects to management’s latest escalation of pilot harassment for use of sick and reports that the following steps have been taken to combat this latest intrusion:

1. A grievance appeal hearing protesting the Company’s unilateral implementation of the “pattern/frequency” sick policy was conducted before the Vice President of Flight on Thursday, May 8, 2008.

2. On Wednesday, May 14, 2008, an expedited presidential grievance was issued protesting the system-wide chief pilot violations of our Section 21 rights of representation regarding the implementation/administration of the sick leave policy.

3. In response to the chief pilots’ FedEx-tigations program of phone calls and mailings to our pilots’ homes, APA formulated a consistent, coordinated, union-wide protest against the continued management harassment of our pilots for use of sick leave, as well as the violation of our Section 21 rights of representation.

Please be advised that should you receive a FedEx-tigation sick leave use package at your home, you should immediately contact your APA representatives and APA Legal at 1-800-323-1470 ext. 2170.

Please also be advised that consistent with the APA presidential grievance, the collective bargaining agreement and arbitration precedent, you are entitled to APA representation in any discussion (telephone call, in person or otherwise) with your chief pilot regarding whether your use of sick was proper. Should you be contacted by a chief pilot regarding your use of sick, respectfully advise the chief pilot that you request APA representation as negotiated in your contract and politely decline to continue the discussion.

So pilots can't utilize "self help," but the company can...unreal.

Methinks AA management will be getting the opportunity to send out many, many more "Fed-Ex-tigation" letters in the coming weeks after this stunt. And during the busy travel season...while already undermanned.

And if anyone is faking it, they won't even need to do the hold-the-thermometer-up-to-the-lightbulb trick to pull a Ferris Bueller anymore. Just read this letter again and you'll feel like you need to puke for real.

Love the Avatar, but we already have a TBone, we can't have two. Sorry, couldn't resist.

I have an EYE problem. I can't see myself flying this trip tomorrow.:D

I've had that too, but it was a kidney and eye problem. (So ****ed off I couldn't see straight) :D

I'd caution anyone from signing a HIPAA release to any employer until after you've received guidance from council (their answer should be "are you kidding!"). Your medical records are between you and your doctor. Very few airline managers have the credential to understand much less question doctor notes (even if you were foolish enough to provide them).

As far as records go, a simple doctor's note stating that "I provided medical care in my office to _______ on __________" is all I'm willing to offer.

Be aware that signing a HIPAA release allows you employer to obtain all medical records they can find on you - not just a selective window for the sick leave in question. Do you really want your boss reading about your hay fever when you were a kid?

I'm lucky that my GP has a brother at Comair and he understands how airline management works. If you don't have a labor friendly doctor, you may want to take a moment and at least get a read on how he/she deals with over zealous employers who want to intrude on the doctor patient/relationship.

is there any history on this to explain why AA management would be on-the-lookout for sick leave abuse?

Does anyone have an email address for the APA grievance committee?

FedEx-agation
 

FedEx-tigation.........
Thanks for creating a new term.
When your return the letter (hopefully blank and unsigned) please include a used phone book or two. We charge by the pound!

I like that idea! and probably have to use it some day.