I know that Gill Mook is smiling!

 

So...when I have to go to the Dr. every time I call in sick...do I get to file an expense report for the $20?

 

I would guess that I've called in SCK 5 times during the last 6 years (maybe all 5 times on RSV?). It amazes me how they ALWAYS charge my sick bank for the trip they were going to assign me. Interestingly, everybody else that called in SCK on Reserve was assigned the same trip!*?

Something doesn't smell right here ...

Concerning Management's perceived increase in sick leave ... well, I haven't been able to drop or trade a trip or Reserve day in the last 5 years (despite there being absolutely NO OPEN TIME?). Sick leave might be the only scheduling tool left in the shed. It shouldn't be that way! If there are 10 folks on B Reserve and exactly ZERO trips in open, why can't I adjust my schedule? I shouldn't have to call Management EVERY time I need/want to adjust my schedule!*?

 

They are just blowing smoke to try and get guys to think twice before calling in sick during peak. What is disconcerting is the sound of crickets in my inbox with the lack of response from my union leaders.

 

Not fit for duty.....so, I log on to the computer....hit the sick button....shut down the computer.

Four days later when I am feeling good again - I turn on the computer to log in well. Or, if the next trip is 9 days away - that is the next time I log in to check messages.

I find a request (in email supposedly) asking for a note from my doctor....problem is....I am well now.

Humm...I don't think my doctor is going to give me a note when well - especially for a problem that is either pre-diagnosed and directed to rest....or a problem that doesn't require a doctor (like significant loss of sleep). I don't think my secondary insurance is going to be very happy about me going to the doctor when I'm well (insurance fraud?).

If this new policy is true....it may be one that needs review. Solution: Send suspected criminal sick leave abusing pilots a note (in advance) that the next sick call will require a note.

 

I received a similar response to the issue(s) of limits to medical or security evaluations required to pass through immigration and security. Seems like our Union would pre-designate / coordinate reasonable limits and expectations for what we should subject ourselves to - in order to do our jobs.

 

My experience is usually the opposite. Used all my sick leave his year by July, the PAC sent me an E Mail and said do you want to charge the last week to your disability bank and put 30 hours back into you account.

 

But I thought the walls came down??

This is no different from the threat, I mean message, regarding military leave. Some will refrain from calling in sick when they should.

 

Can we stop please. One guy asks a question about a rumor, then basically recants.

1 page later we're getting spun up over something that isn't probably happening. What are our union leaders supposed to respond to? A unsubstantiated APC rumor or did I miss the FCIF declaring war on sick leave users? The company got their pee-pee whacked pretty good over this Dr. note issue in a grievance a while back (see contract).

If you're going out sick over the declared holidays or need to use your disability sick account, it's possible you'll need a letter IAW the CBA. So go to the doctor and get one.

Other than that, I agree it's stupid to ask you to produce a note you didn't know you would need after you're well, especially if you didn't go to a doctor in the first place. I doubt this happens too often.

If I had to go out sick tomorrow, I'll bet it would be just like every other time. Uneventful.

 

I think you missed the "Sick Call" news on APC from the Chief Pilot.