Originally Posted by ERflyer

Perhaps the most problem I've had with this TA are the sick leave changes.

There are sick leave concessions as have been discussed repeatedly on this forum. After learning more about the new sick leave policy it is not nearly as bad as I first thought. Not as good as now but not unreasonable.

Sick leave enhancements balance concessions somewhat. 60 days of FAA leave have been added. While there are a number of qualifications, one is not docked for sick leave while awaiting clearance from the FAA after 15 days. This is a net improvement from the current TA.

Additionally, there is a new disability account that will pay on top of LTD after DPMA has been exhausted, up to 40 hours - 50% of unused sick leave up to 80 hours. It could increase your pay closer to full pay for a longer time.

As far as any sick leave verification and medical release issues involved: they have been well explained and clarified in NN 15-09 FAQ, NN 15-04 Sick Leave, and Contrails 25 Safeguards and Security of Medical Information. Still, as I have learned, more detail is in the TA itself.

The bottom line is that there are more precise rules for verification. But, if you're sick you're sick. Also, if you have surgery, break a bone, or have a hospital stay then verification and medical release is not required. This would seem to cover much, not all, of long term sick leave use.

Sick leave, in summary, is a concession with a few enhancements as well as safeguards that have been clarified. It will be harder to "cheat" the system but if you're actually sick one has protection. We are public transportation pilots and as such our medical history is more open. In light of recent events they will become more open, not less, at least to your employer and the FAA.