Originally Posted by gloopy

Under the TA is a pilot obligated by law to waive his/her HIPPA rights? IOW, is a CBA even enforceable from the company's standpoint if and when it tries to overrule a rather strong federal law?

Originally Posted by DoubleTrouble

I wish I could agree with you. However, I have witnessed DAL management continue to try to "police" pilot sick leave over the years, and get increasingly aggressive. Read the full language from the arbitration we had here a few years ago, and you will see the company's lead witness was caught (from the ALPA brief) "prevaricating". To be sure I looked it up: lying.

BTW, the arbitrator did not appreciate the company witness and it was a total win for ALPA.

The changes to sick leave are a BAD deal.

Originally Posted by LeineLodge

They can ask for "verification". This can be the CP calling and asking you what is wrong. If he's satisfied, then you're verified. If not, DAL has to pay for you to go to the Doctor and get a note.

Guys are making WAY too big of a deal about this. I'm all for privacy rights, but does anyone think it's unreasonable for Delta to ask for verification of a sick call if the pilot is over 100 hours (that's significantly more than a month's worth of flying?) If you're playing even mostly within the rules you have nothing to worry about.

Color me unconcerned about this one.

BTW, some of the improvements are:

1. 100% pay for ALL sick time used
2. 270 hours annually for guys over 20 years
3. Ability to borrow 50 hours from next year's balance
4. Ability to call in well without jeopardy of losing pay. Additionally you can "fly-back" your sick balance if you'd rather preserve it for future use throughout the year.

Probably a few more I can't think of off the top of my head. So far I'm not seeing the "concessions" on this one.

Originally Posted by acl65pilot

I had a situation like that years ago and I got an apd for my honesty. It was not considered sick time.

Originally Posted by shiznit

Exactly the reason to use the FMLA provisions. You could have pulled hours from your sick or vacation hours and it would not have been considered a sick call.

Originally Posted by More Bacon

This has been discussed in other threads, but I think it deserves its own. The potential sick leave revision is a massive concession.

Here's my scenario: Some years ago, I sprained my ankle and called in sick for a long international trip. I was not able to to WS/GS after I called in well due to trip construction issues.

A couple of months later, my wife and little son were completely laid out with the flu. We had to take him to the hospital. I called in sick again because I was worried about him, and not fit to fly.

As I understand it, my second sick call would, under the proposed TA provisions, be subject to the company's demand for a doctor's note (I broke the magic "100 hours" harassment threshold on my 2nd sick call.

Some thoughts:



-Seems to me this harassment policy is geared to lowering sick time use by bullying guys who might not need to see a doctor themselves, but have family issues, etc. which render them unfit for duty (i.e., SICK).

- Can I provide a doctor's note saying I was "mentally unfit" to fly?

- What if I can't or don't get a doctor's note? No pay? Subject to termination? Company-forced medical examination? All of the above? Sure would be nice to know.

- Why on earth would DALPA allow this????

Although my situation is probably not too common, it doesn't seem like a stretch for someone to be in a similar situation.

This policy is a huge concession. It's #4 on my "hell no" list. I'm fine keeping the current version.

Originally Posted by acl65pilot

It was not offered. I did not have time to deal with it since I had a wife in the ER all night and a 18 month old on my hip. I called them and told them what was going on. Called the CP and told them what was going on and they told me all I could do was drop my trip via apd.

Originally Posted by Erdude32

Well since this is a sick leave thread, gotta question that is current and relevant for my situation now. Has anyone had any experience with Gallbladder infections/trouble., or known anyone who has? What started out as indigestion and "irregularity" has turned into pain, bloating and cramping. I called out sick last week, went to the Doc and got some prescription pills to stop up the "backside". Called in well last night only to go to bed doubled over in pain. Calling Delta's nurse now and my Doc to see options/testing. Any idea how long I'll be out if the Gallbladder has to go (seems to be the only "treatment" is to remove it)???. I feel fine now, but I haven't eaten in 14 hours. Was thinking about going to work, but hesitant. Also hesitant to call back out sick right after calling in well:/