correct, according to the ALPA email on this topic. I also heard that this was changed in the section so that pilots actually can read the policy as opposed to having to call someone and find out after the fact why it happened.

Section 14 Clarification
Due to numerous inquiries on the changes in the TA to the sick leave, the following explains the changes in question:
CBA 14.A.6 “doctors note requirements”
In the current CBA, this section allows the Company to require a doctor’s note under the following provisions:
1. CBA 14.A.6.a – The Company has a good faith, and objective reason to question a pilot’s use or attempted use of sick leave; or
2. CBA 14.A.6.b- If the absence occurred “in conjunction” with a vacation period or holiday.
Since 1999, management broadly interpreted Section 14.A.6.b. such that physician’s statements were demanded for absences that were more than a day from the pilot’s holiday or vacation period. FPA, and later ALPA, took the position that “in conjunction” meant no more than the day before or after the vacation period or holiday. It has been pushed as far as to require a note, if for example, a pilot’s vacation period ended on the 7th day of the bid month and the pilots subsequently listed sick for his first scheduled activity that could be 2 weeks AFTER the end of the vacation period.
The change in 14.A.6.b draws a distinct line of demarcation concerning when a Chief Pilot “MAY” request a doctor’s note. Specifically, the note is now only allowed if the pilot is listed sick within 24 hours of a CBA Holiday or actual vacation period (“V Days” or “extended V days” in the case of a reserve vacation extension CBA 7.G.3.e)

The Negotiating Committee views the language change in CBA 14.A.6.b as limiting, not extending the ability of the Chief Pilot to request a doctor’s note. The use of a hard limit effectively eliminates the Company’s ability to manipulate Section 14.A.6.b.

CBA 14.B.2.c.i – “Mini-RLG and sick bank debits”

The changes in this section are what we refer to as “codification” of current practice. The addition of “mini-RLG” has to do with custom or secondary lines that are constructed with blocks of R days that constitute a “mini-RLG.” For reserve line holders, if you are listed sick for an entire bid month of r days you are “charged” the entire value of your RLG from your sick account.

The current practice is that if you have a “mini-RLG” AND you are sick for the entire block, your sick account will be charged with the value of your mini-RLG. That is what has been captured in this addition, so that pilots understand and know the rules as they pertain to this scenario.

In summary, there is no change to the current “leveling” practice found in CBA 14.B.2.c. Whether you are on a “RLG” or “mini-RLG,” your sick account will only debited for trips you would have been assigned as if you were not sick, unless you remain sick for ALL R days in a month. If you remain sick for ALL R days in a month, your sick account is debited for the full value of RLG or applicable mini-RLG.