Make no mistake: "Sick Leave Verification" is another term for "Pilot Pushing."

The pilot is the expert on whether they're healthy and able to fly, not some random stranger in the form of a "doc in the box."

Nobody from Flight Ops is coming down the jetway asking for a doctor note when they need you to automatically extend your duty day or go up to 16 hours....are they? (Are you rested? Did you have enough or anything to eat today?) They trust you that you are a professional and will make the safe call.

But go over 99.99 hours of sick leave and now you are "no longer trustworthy" is the message being put forth.

No bueno and hope it is addressed in the next contract.