It isn't really ALPA's job to communicate to us how the company tracks our sick leave usage. Besides, it could change. What they did do, however, is approve the method by which our sick leave is verified, and allow for a burden of proof to be put on the pilot. That, in my mind, was a concession. It was one major reason I voted against C2012. And I don't use a lot of sick leave.

A lot of people said it was not going to be an issue. Well, apparently it is. And it's getting more so. I think a more productive question to ask is; what is the union going to do about this in the next agreement? I suppose that depends on a few things, namely, our input, the company's desires, and the negotiators ability to get something done about it. If you didn't fill out the survey or you don't let your reps know how you feel about filling out doctor's forms, then don't complain.

I do think we should transition to a paid sick leave bank that we control. I know people think that other guys will show up sick. Well, I have two things to say about that. One, if I'm sick, I sure as heck don't want to be at work. And two, if I show up to work, and somebody else is obviously sick, I'm giving them the option to call in sick, or I'm going to do it for them via the CP. Every other major has this arrangement. I'll bet there are more guys flying sick because of the new harassment program than there would be if we had a normal sick leave bank.