Johnso29,

This sick leave verification issue isn't a burning issue with me, but I sure dislike one ALPA member telling another ALPA member to "go find another job." As our founder stated, "when one member has a problem, we all have a problem."

It appears that management may be reaching beyond what has been agreed to in our contract and I believe ALPA is working to address the issue (based on posts by another web board where this discussion is taking place). There are also outside factors which will regulate and normalize this issue over time. No one wants to be involved in "pilot pushing." It just takes some time for the definition of "good faith" to be understood by all involved. Further, when the Company sees a financial impact resulting from their requests for Doctor's notes someone will have the bright idea of mitigating that expense too. For now pilots should consider being proactive, not only with verification, but also in asking the Chief Pilot's Office, "what is your good faith basis for this inquiry?" If the reply involves historical data, then there might need to be some non confrontational training that takes place. The Company has a lot of resources at their finger tips and being thorough (as we pilots tend to be) it is difficult to deliberately not access available data.

This will work out. I would not tell another member to "find another job." In our union the proper answer is "how can I help you brother."

JMHO.