Sick leave may only be used when a Flight Attendant is actually ill or injured. Section 13.D.1. of the JCBA provides that “sick leave pay shall only be granted in cases of actual illness or injury.”
The company actively reviews sick leave usage and may flag patterns that appear connected to:
- Requested PTO or DATV
- Vacation
- Unsuccessful attempts to drop a trip
- Challenged assignments
- Other circumstances that may suggest the sick call was used to avoid an assignment
Because perceived sick leave abuse is a frequent reason for termination cases, Flight Attendants should protect themselves by keeping documentation whenever a legitimate illness or injury occurs under circumstances that could appear suspicious.
Examples of helpful documentation may include:
- Medical records or discharge paperwork
- Prescription or pharmacy receipts
- Receipts for over-the-counter medication
- Last-minute hotel or travel records
- Other records that help establish when an illness or injury occurred
Section 13.C.5. of the CBA allows the company to require satisfactory verification of an incapacitating illness from an accredited physician when circumstances suggest possible abuse or misuse of sick leave.
When It Is Not Your Own Illness or Injury
If you cannot work for a reason other than your own illness or injury, other contractual options may apply, including:
- FMLA – Section 15.I.
- KinCare – Section 13.D.7.
- Personal Leave – Section 15.D.
- PTO – Section 7.AA.
- DATV – Section 12.J.
An occasional Missed Trip may also be more appropriate than using sick leave when you are not actually sick or injured. Be truthful about what occurred. A point or work-history entry is far preferable to an investigation for sick leave abuse.
Questions?
AFA Council 21 Main Office: (703) 260-0051
