Did you not read the post about the United pilot who went to the Mayo clinic? Yes, many companies do pay for it. Sick time isn't always about being sick - taking care of sick kids count and many companies also allow sick time to be paid out under the Family Medical Leave Act.

 

Its in most of our contracts that they will pay for a visit to the doc if they request it. If every pilot that called in sick was required to go see the doc and used the health insurance our rates would go up.

 

Yes, I did read it, but you can't possibly use that Reader's Digest version of the story to come to a conclusion. I'd bet the individual's insurance picked up the policy limits and the individual paid the rest. It also sounds like the story isn't correct. Almost made up, or passed around so much it changed to $20,000 and United shut-up about it.

I fail to see what the second part of your post has to do with getting a note. It is a fact and I won't argue that, but I don't see what it has to do with the original post.

 

That may be an acceptable policy if you were flying a desk without hundreds of people relying on your top physical and mental condition.
Are you a Unit or a Tool?
Hog

 

Only your tool, big boy.

 

Dangling Unit

You said you don't work for an airline, so you have no leg to stand on in this discussion.

While you opinions/views may work in an office type job, or in other professions, it doesn't jive here with anyone who's actually done the job of an airline pilot.

Please keep your ignorance to yourself, and I don't mean that in the offensive way, I mean it in the literal way. You are "uneducated" on the subject, so in the spirit of keeping this thread open, please refrain from "thinking you know".....

Cause you my friend, do not know.

 

I think all DU said was most companies outside aviation have similar policies, not that he supported them. These policies are put in place to reduce sick call abuse. As I mentioned, they are simply scare tactics. If you're legitimately sick, there is nothing to be scared of. It's just a game that is played by both sides and you have to learn how to play.

 

My response came from the OP saying the company treats him like a child by having a sick time policy in place. I was making him aware that it's not just the airlines and it's not treating him like a child. How could anything I have said be cause to close the thread?

Thank you.

 

Great discussion so far.

I don't believe that these policies are in place to reduce sick call abuse but instead to reduce sick time usage. These bastions of capitalism will tout their "outstanding benefit packages" to lure in ususpecting dimwits (us) then find ways to make their use painful. Anything that makes the use of a benefit uncomfortable or the employee wary of its use, with job security as the overriding threat, reduces usage and lowers cost. It's ONLY about money and control.

If my company wants a note they get a note. It might be a complete fabrication that my doctor happily goes along with, but if it keeps the captains of capitalism from holding back my check at the end of the week then I can provide them stacks of doctors notes. The whole process is silly and wasteful, but they have the gold so they make the rules.

I have worked outside aviation the entire time I have been in aviation (for sanity mostly) and have seen variations of policies like the ones described and the ones I'm subjected to. What's surprising is the fervent glee that airline manglers seem to take in applying these draconian measures.

 

If you are forced to go to the Doctor for a sick call and you are not already going for a condition (chronic sinus blockage or other recurring issue resulting in sick calls being questioned) it's not a smart idea to just have the company reimburse you for your Co-pay. When you go to the doctor, minor medical center, or hospital the total cost of your visit is not just your $5-20 copay. You are also taking a hit on your yearly payouts and lifetime payouts through your company sponsored health insurance benefits. The company wants a note- fine, but do not be using your insurance for their desires. Your company will reimburse the medical costs so utilize that fact. You are in essence "without insurance" for such visit and will be reimbursed for the entire bill when you call in with the common cold since you are a common human. The company getting slapped with a $500 bill instead of a $20 bill will change their tone, but you are also doing exactly as asked- getting a doctor's note at THEIR expense. You pay for your insurance each paycheck, it is NOT your responsibility to supply the company a note at YOUR cost for their records and full reimbursement.

Think about it.