ExpressJet Flight Operations Attendance And Reliability Program
PURPOSE:
One of the most critical elements of ExpressJet’s success is the ability to run an efficient and on-time operation. To achieve this success, we depend on our pilots to be available to work as scheduled. The purpose of this policy is to set forth the Company’s expectations for regular attendance. Compensation for sick leave, procedures for medical leave of absence, and physical standards are found in the ALPA agreement. A pilot who accepts employment with ExpressJet and the responsibility for the safety of ExpressJet passengers and the general flying public, has a fundamental responsibility to report to work as scheduled. ExpressJet and the Federal Aviation Administration do not condone any pilot reporting to work when ill or otherwise incapacitated, and we understand that legitimate medical problems or unanticipated emergencies may result in absence from work. ExpressJet also expects you, however, as a professional airline pilot, to take all reasonable steps to minimize such “unscheduled” absences and maintain a lifestyle that promotes good mental and physical health, and regular, dependable attendance at work.
ATTENDANCE PROGRAM:
The ExpressJet Flight Operations Attendance and Reliability Program is a “no-fault” program. This means that occurrences, as defined by the Program, will be counted toward the disciplinary steps of the Program without regard for the reasons for the absence, including whether the absence was the pilot’s fault. Certain specified absences, however, are expressly excluded from the definition of occurrence. This program is designed to address the negative impact absenteeism has on the efficiency of the Company’s operation. A pilot should call Crew Scheduling to report that he or she is unavailable due to illness or injury as soon as the condition is known so a replacement pilot can be assigned. When a pilot is unable to fly due to illness or injury, he or she will be removed from all pairings until he or she is able to fly again. If a pilot who has missed any part of a trip reports that he or she is again ready to fly, the pilot will be allowed to rejoin the pairing at the next practicable station as determined by Crew Scheduling. An occurrence for the purposes of this Program is any failure to report on time for a scheduled work assignment, including a sick call, a missed trip, a late report, an emergency drop, or any other unplanned “lost time” incident. Occurrence specifically excludes the following excused and/or pre-approved absences: jury duty, military leave, vacations, qualified FMLA leave, pre-approved trip trades, authorized emergency leave, absence due to occupational injury, or any other absence excused by state or federal law.
STEPS OF PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE:
Except as specifically excluded above, every absence or failure to report to work on time may be counted as an occurrence. The Chief Pilot, or his designee, will evaluate each occurrence on a case-by-case basis and has the authority to skip a step/s in the progressive discipline process outlined below when appropriate. Consecutive days of absence because of the same illness or injury will typically be counted as a single occurrence. For the purposes of administering discipline under this program, occurrences will be counted by looking back over the 12-month period of active service immediately preceding the occurrence. For example, if you receive an occurrence on January 10, 2003, the discipline imposed will be based on the number of occurrences you have accrued since January 10, 2002. Generally, four occurrences during any 12 months of active service will trigger Step One of the progressive discipline steps outlined below. If more than four attendance events occur during any 12 months of active service, progressive discipline will be escalated appropriately. In addition to looking at the number of occurrences, the Company may also consider a number of other factors when reviewing excessive absenteeism— including the severity/total time lost, the length of time since the pilot’s last occurrence, and the pilot’s previous comprehensive attendance record. For example, a pattern of absences related to regular days off, leaves of absence, vacations, holidays and/or weekends may call the validity of a pilot’s absences into question. Appropriate discipline will be administered based on the individual circumstances at issue. All disciplinary actions will be conducted in accordance with the Agreement between ExpressJet and ALPA. The combination of certain types of occurrences or the particular circumstances surrounding an occurrence may warrant more severe consequences and escalation of progressive discipline at the Company’s discretion. See the discussion of Missed Trips and Patterns of Absence, below. The steps in the progressive discipline program are as follows:
STEP ONE - COUNSELING
When a pilot accrues four occurrences in a rolling 12 month period or otherwise demonstrates an unacceptable attendance record, the Chief Pilot or his designee will normally explain to the pilot verbally and/or in writing that the pilot is jeopardizing his/her employment because of unsatisfactory attendance, and that immediate improvement is necessary to avoid further discipline. This discussion will be noted as a Step One Counseling in the pilot’s personnel file.
STEP TWO - WRITTEN WARNING
When a pilot accrues five occurrences in a rolling 12 month period or otherwise demonstrates an unacceptable attendance record, the Chief Pilot or his designee will normally issue a letter to the pilot warning him/her that the pilot is jeopardizing his/her employment because of unsatisfactory attendance, and that immediate improvement is necessary to avoid further discipline. A copy of the Step Two Written Warning will be maintained in the pilot’s personnel file.
STEP THREE - TERMINATION WARNING
When a pilot accrues six occurrences in a rolling 12 month period or otherwise continues to demonstrate an unacceptable attendance record, the Chief Pilot will normally issue a final written warning notifying the pilot that failure to immediately improve his or her unacceptable attendance will result in termination of employment. A copy of the Step Three Termination Warning will be maintained in the pilot’s personnel file.
STEP FOUR - TERMINATION
When a pilot accrues seven occurrences in a rolling 12 month period or otherwise continues to demonstrate an unacceptable attendance record, the Chief Pilot, in consultation with the Senior Director Of Flight Operations and the Human Resources department, will conduct a meeting with the pilot to discuss his/her unsatisfactory attendance. A pilot with seven (7) or more attendance events in a rolling twelve month period will normally be terminated.
MISSED TRIPS:
Missed Trips are the most serious violations of the attendance program because they have the most severe impact on the Company’s ability to staff flights, maintain on-time departures and prevent cancellations. Consequently, progressive discipline will normally be escalated for missed trips and other similar occurrences that seriously impact the Company’s operation. For example, a pilot’s first missed trip occurrence in a rolling 12 month period will normally result in a Written Warning as a minimum level of discipline. Two missed trip occurrences in a rolling 12 month period will normally result in a Final Written Warning as a minimum level of discipline. Three missed trip occurrences in a rolling 12 month period will normally result in Termination. Any questions about the application of this program should be directed to the SR. Director Of Flight Operations and/or Human Resources.
PATTERNS OF ABSENCE:
Abuse of the sick leave will not be tolerated. Certain patterns of sick calls may result in an investigation by the Company to determine whether a sick call was justified. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Any sick call that coincides with the Company’s refusal to grant a personal drop request.
2. Anytime a pilot on reserve notifies Crew scheduling of a sickness after being assigned a duty assignment. (SKAA-Sick call after assignment)
3. Any sick call associated with a pilot’s inability to get to his/her assigned domicile.
4. Sick calls that occur in conjunction with the beginning or end of vacation or days off.
Abuse of sick leave can result in immediate disciplinary action (beyond that outlined in the steps of progressive discipline, above) up to and including termination. Nothing in this program precludes or in any way limits the Company’s authority to take appropriate action to investigate and otherwise discipline any pilot suspected of sick leave abuse. If sick leave abuse is suspected, the Company reserves the right to require a pilot to verify illness with a doctor’s report. Probationary pilots are expected to maintain an excellent attendance record. All occurrences will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine what, if any, discipline will be administered.