Originally Posted by
ancman
How does the CPO being required to provide a reason change anything? I posted a partial list of the all-encompassing reasons that were used during the last GFB blitz. The company has effectively found a “reason” to GFB any sick call.
Particularly during the post-COVID GFB blitz, I believe that ALPA would have had a solid case to challenge the “good faith” aspect of GFB. ALPA never touched that though, despite acknowledging that GFB requests underwent a significant surge in the 2021-2022 timeframe. Coincidentally, that peak occurred during section 6 negotiations for C19. Still, nothing was done.
Because they cannot GFB
every sick call and say,
in good faith, they have a reason to question its validity. That's why. They have to have and articulate a valid reason for each individual inquiry. Might GFB be used a little more for a time? sure. Will it be rampant, or even approach every single sick? Absolutely no.
With this MOU, they've de facto admitted to failing the automation requirement, and waiving all lookback for 6-9+ months. Do you not think any reasonable entity would see them respond with a GFB blitz as totally disingenuous in a grievance? The MOU reset the landscape there.
Look, I roll my eyes as hard as anyone about being treated like I'm in Kindergarten when I'm sick, and would love to see GFB go away entirely. But, it's also
not that big a deal to get a note. I don't know why folks actually allow themselves to get so upset over it.
If I were king, I'd allow GFB
only on APD holidays at their expense. I'd bring back voluntary verification, have a requirement to verify every sick after something like 100 unverified hours, and that's it. Limit the actual abusers, and leave the 98% of the rest of us alone to be adults.