16 godzin temu
CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) has enforced a strict 8-hour sick notice policy for flight attendants, sparking union disputes and legal challenges. This policy aims to uphold flight schedule integrity but has raised significant concerns about fairness and worker rights.
The airline’s controversial management of sick leave, including performance warnings for late notice, has been ruled legally permissible. Despite union pushback, United continues to enforce these measures to address operational issues and mitigate disruptions.
Photo: United AirlinesUnited 8-Hour Sick Policy
United Airlines (UA) requires flight attendants to provide at least 8-hour notice if they cannot report for a scheduled flight due to illness.
Those failing to meet this threshold may face both attendance points and performance warnings.
Accumulating too many points within 12 months can lead to disciplinary actions, including termination. Performance warnings carry significant consequences.
Even if an employee does not collect enough attendance points for termination, these warnings can escalate disciplinary measures.
For emergencies, United has the discretion to waive performance warnings, but the company may question the legitimacy of such emergencies.
This policy, introduced in 2022, reflects United’s focus on maintaining operational reliability.
By enforcing strict notice requirements, the airline aims to prevent flight delays and cancellations caused by sudden crew shortages.
The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), representing United’s flight attendants, opposed the dual-disciplinary approach of issuing both attendance points and performance warnings for the same event.
The union argued that the policy unfairly penalizes employees twice for a single infraction.
According to a report by PYOK, the arbitrator found United’s policy compliant with existing labor regulations, despite union objections.
This decision emphasized the airline’s authority to enforce dual-disciplinary actions to address sick leave abuses and ensure operational efficiency.
Photo: United AirlinesPast Controversies
United Airlines’ management of sick leave has drawn regulatory scrutiny in the past. In 2023, the airline introduced a policy requiring flight attendants to provide medical documentation if they called in sick on weekends.
This measure, aimed at curbing a surge in weekend sick calls, was heavily criticized by the union, which labeled it “reprehensible.”
The U.S. Department of Labor intervened, reviewing whether the policy violated the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
After several months, United revoked the policy, citing a decline in weekend sick calls.
United Airlines’ strict sick leave policies underline its commitment to maintaining flight schedule integrity.
However, these measures have ignited debates about balancing operational needs with employee rights.
While the policies may reduce disruptions, they also impose significant burdens on crew members, potentially affecting morale and job security.
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