I was sick three days (Dec 20, 21, 22). The company wants a note...which I can give...but what is the policy? This is my third call of the year and my last call was in the spring. The email from the company quoted section 14.A.6.b

 

From the Alpa Website


Sick Leave Abuse: It is hard to call this a hot topic since hot seems to be a permanent state. Nonetheless, we have seen the Company move toward a more organized system by which to identify “sick leave abuse.” Most recently, we have seen the Company demand production of physician’s statement because a pilot exceeded an arbitrary number of sick calls in a rolling 12 month period. Contractually, this demand is only permitted where the Company has a “good faith and objective reason to question a pilot’s use or attempted use of sick leave.” When confronted by the Association, the Company relented, but we expect further encroachments as Team Americas leadership has a definite dislike for pilots who get sick. Your Role: We can only confront that which we know. If you are contacted by the Company regarding sick leave usage, assert your right to representation and immediately contact us.

 

Thanks. I intend to call this in tomorrow but was wondering tonight what the opinions were out there. I thought it was 'over' a holiday, not near one.

 

one day either side, i would call Grievance Chair and he can explain the history. The 22nd may be questionable.

 

Did any of those trips you called in sick for "touch" Xmas Eve or Xmas day?

 

No........

 

I just re-read that section of the contract, and it doesn't mention "near" a holiday. So that harassment is total B.S. Call the Union ASAP!

 

I actually read it before I called in sick and figured nothing was required...go figure

 

Call the Union, if you are "not fit to fly" and being harassed by the company.

 

The FAR's say this on fitness for flight:

Sec. 61.53 - Prohibition on operations during medical deficiency.
(a) Operations that require a medical certificate. Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, a person who holds a current medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter shall not act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person:
(1) Knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation, etc.

No where does it say you have to have a doctor certify that you don't feel fit for flight. It could be a bad headache, an upset stomach, or some other short-term illness that does not require a visit to a doctor unless it persisted for some time.
The company requiring you to go get a doctor's note, when you would not normally go to the doctor, is pure harassment. You alone have the ultimate responsibility for deciding if you are fit for duty, period. Call the union!

P.S. Questions about FAR's? Look it up at: http://www.risingup.com/fars/