I love being treated like a child!
#21
but just the same, if an airline pays $16,000 annually to first officers, then why should they expect anything better than slobs and idiots?
Then again having to deal with providing a Dr's note in order to come back to work is just so school like.
FRED
#23
It's not just the airline industry that follows those rules. In fact, I can't think of any company, airline or not, having sick time that doesn't have this policy. It's to keep employees from abusing the sick time policy. Given the chance, a lot of people would take advantage of it.
#24
Don't feel bad. I was legitimately sick with a head cold and called in sick for a trip (I was a line holder until the day I was furloughed) a week or two before I was getting furloughed.
Got a phone call from a Chief Pilot, who after hearing me talk goes: "Man, you sound awful. Hope you feel better." After about 10 seconds, he calls back and says he forgot to ask me for a Doctor's note.
Got a phone call from a Chief Pilot, who after hearing me talk goes: "Man, you sound awful. Hope you feel better." After about 10 seconds, he calls back and says he forgot to ask me for a Doctor's note.
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Posts: 401
I find the term "abusing sick time" amusing. How can you abuse something that you have earned? I find it hard to believe that most companies require sick notes when employees take sick time. I have never heard anyone I know outside of the industry having to do this in order to take a sick day.
Sick time accrual is not treated as earned deferred income in the same manner as vacation under federal law. The courts have consistently ruled it is a benefit, with the amount in your bank being the maximum benefit the company will allow. If you leave the company, you should be paid accrued vacation, but baring contract language to the contrary you will not be paid sick bank.
#26
Let me start by saying, "if you are sick, call in sick!" Don't fly sick. Any day and time, use your sick time when you are sick.
Now the other side of the story: why do employers ask for notes on holidays? Because pilots too junior to get the day off call in sick- when they are not sick. Sure, you can be sick on a holiday, but we all know the sick calls spike around holidays, superbowls, weekends, snowstorms, etc. Ask any reserve pilot. They will always work the above days. You think you're sticking it to the company, but in reality, you are screwing a fellow pilot.
If you're sick, call in sick. If you're not, work your own pairing.
Yes, I'm on reserve.
Now the other side of the story: why do employers ask for notes on holidays? Because pilots too junior to get the day off call in sick- when they are not sick. Sure, you can be sick on a holiday, but we all know the sick calls spike around holidays, superbowls, weekends, snowstorms, etc. Ask any reserve pilot. They will always work the above days. You think you're sticking it to the company, but in reality, you are screwing a fellow pilot.
If you're sick, call in sick. If you're not, work your own pairing.
Yes, I'm on reserve.
#27
New Hire
Joined APC: May 2009
Posts: 1
Now you're getting it.
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: XJT CA
Posts: 528
I find the term "abusing sick time" amusing. How can you abuse something that you have earned? I find it hard to believe that most companies require sick notes when employees take sick time. I have never heard anyone I know outside of the industry having to do this in order to take a sick day.
These policies really a put everyone in a tough situation. I think they are put in place to "keep honest people honest." Similar to car alarms. If there is any sort of threat of consequences or deterrent, most people won't commit the "crime." But without anything to deter people, everyone would call in sick all the time.
This industry is so different from the rest of the world in so many ways, including this. Most non-aviation companies have sick leave and personal leave or just one bank for personal leave and you use it however you need. We don't get personal leave so most people use sick leave as both.
As for pay vs. professional, unfortunately, these are two independent issues. We should all act and look professional regardless of our pay - that is part of being an airline pilot and any professional pilot... plain and simple. But unfortunately, we will be paid regardless of our actions and appearance. Don't think that pay will automatically increase just because the entire pilot world looks and acts professionally. This, however, should not dictate your professionalism.
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Posts: 691
Why can't you admit its a backwards policy. What company is dumb enough to pay for its employees to go to the doctor when 100% of the time the doctor is going to write a note stating the employee came in for a visit?
#30
0 = $600
1 = $400
2 = $200
3 = $100
4 or more = SOL
Those numbers aren't exact but they are pretty close. And since I'm furloughed, I haven't seen a dime for my vacation time I earned but never got to use.
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