Years ago, I got suspended. Later was offered resign or be terminated; the Union was confident I would get my job back saying I can fight it, but the termination would go on the PRIA file. I had big child custody and divorce issues that would not be resolved while flying. I got custody of my Son, resigned and went back to a prior career field. Many years later, my Son graduates soon and I want to get back into part 121 work. The PRIA file is clean. I've been invited back to fly for former employer that threatened termination if I did not resign. I've been upfront with them about how I left, they do not care about the resignation and are offering a bonus to come back; aside from getting some recent 121 time, I'm wary of going back to that bad experience.
Here is the question:
If asked "have you ever been suspended or resigned in lieu of being terminated?"
Answering Yes will create questions; acting contrite and saying "I made mistakes and I learned from the experience" would be a straight up lie.
What I learned was keep your head down, don't call the CP office trying to fix problems, instead call the Union ProStan committee and walk away; if you ever have to go to a hearing, bring your own Labor Law attorney (on your own dime) to hold the Company and Union Attorney's feet to the fire.
Old history now, but the question is how to answer "ever been suspended or resigned in lieu of termination?" Just say "no" and move on down the road? Or is this something to be concerned about. I don't like giving a misleading answer, but I do not see any upside to self disclosing what is likely long forgotten history. In the end it was a resignation.
Oh yeah, asking for a friend.
