In response to the RG email, if the pattern emerges, as I suspect it will, that GFB calls increase in significant percentages-then I would say that is further proof of negotiating in bad faith.

Fair point here, provided we have a method to make GFB calls trackable. Do we?

I don’t have the answer but that is an excellent question. I hope the answer is yes and if not we should make it so.

good point. If sick calls increase 10% and GFB calls increase 500%, that’s a problem.

The only method that's readily available is the ALPA DART form but ALPA would need to endorse its use for that so they can start tracking it.

If it wasn't being tracked before, starting now wouldn't accomplish much without historical data to compare it to. Unfortunately.

Why not? We haven't entered Sect 6 yet for the next contract.

I'm all for tracking, but the MOU that changed sick verification happened last week. If the level of GFB calls skyrockets a result of the MOU, we'd need data prior to the the MOU to make a meaningful comparison.

I suggested to my reps about 3 years ago that ALPA create a form collecting data on every GFB call. It fell on deaf ears.

Covid is still very much a thing. As is the Covid sick time exemption.

It does require a proctored test though. (Self tests don’t count)

Surprisingly tricky to find places that still offer this (website says “yes”, but at the point of sale it’s “we don’t do that anymore.”)


But if you think you have the flu, spend the $10 on a Covid self test kit then proceed as you see fit.

(Also, there’s an antiviral specifically designed to fight Covid called Paxlovid. $1500 for a 5 day course, $420 with insurance. Worth every penny. Get on that stuff the second you pop positive and don’t look back)