Originally Posted by
TED74
If you can't see that there are multiple issues in play simultaneously, I'm not sure I can help you. Presence is one thing, and of course, is most important by far.
I'd like to be present for the birth, but also for my kid when he breaks an arm or has the flu. An increasing number of employers let their people do those things without losing pay, of they have sick time available. If you think that's to much to ask for, don't ask or don't vote for it. Management will love you even more!
I think you will find the comparison between a airline pilot and a daily worker is tough to make. They miss one day of work for a event and typically have far less sick leave to start with. Most of my career I have been flying the longer trips. Some months 1 trip and usually two. If I stayed home from work every time my kids were sick I would have missed half the year.
Delta will work hard to accommodate life events. Pilots should also due their part. If your wife is due to have a baby don't bid a 12 day trip leaving 5 days before her due date. If your daughter is graduating from college don't bid a trip over the top of her graduation when you are in the top quarter of your category and expect the company to drop it.