Miliraty Leave

[Fins Up]

I think the key is to be smart about it. If I wanted to, I could take off lots of time from JB to work for the Navy under orders, get paid more and have the benefits of both sides. However, I did not get hired to be a part time pilot. I have a committment to be available for JB just as I have to be available for my Navy squadron. If we start taking too much advantage of the rules and not putting in enough hours at our companies, we're going to hurt our fellow mil folks trying to get hired down the road becasue we'll have the reputation of not be available to work. Call that discrimination, but we could be setting ourselves up for it.

 

[dtfl]

Oh, by the way, nice little jab at the President of the US and our Sec of Defense...unfortunately the guy that started this thread doesn't care about your liberal views. I'll let you put down your "Hillary for '08" poster so you can respond.

Im a conservative in the USAFR and I didnt think his post a jab...hell I AGREE...I was mobilized while the stop loss was lifted in 02 and the AD unit I was associated with let folks out to go to JetBlue, SWA, Tybrin, etc.....while I went and fought in the Stans.....But I digress.
And since his profile states that he flew StarLizards I think he has a right to say that...

 

[Fins Up]

That C-141 is one uuuugly airplane - not a beautimous piece of engineering like the mighty P-3 Orion.

 

[ExAF]

That C-141 is one uuuugly airplane - not a beautimous piece of engineering like the mighty P-3 Orion.

At least they don't mount the engines upside down!

 

[K-Mart]

I heard that a BWI FO at SWA just got fired for taking too much mil leave. It's going to get ugly for SWA if that's true.

No way it was because of MIL leave. Maybe if he was leaving and not there at all, then lied about it. Hell, we can't get rid of a capt who was caught not flying above FL280 because she was concerned about skin cancer. Happened mulitple times. Not to mention multiple, multiple, multiple over issues with the individual. Can't get into the other stories here but it really is embarrasing from the other stories I have heard. To put it nicely, unbelievable. Mil leave issues are more sensitive than this and I can't imagine someone fired for it.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

Hell, we can't get rid of a capt who was caught not flying above FL280 because she was concerned about skin cancer. Happened mulitple times. Not to mention multiple, multiple, multiple over issues with the individual.

Was she once based in HOU...and now in DAL?

Tejas

 

[K-Mart]

Was she once based in HOU...and now in DAL?

Tejas

I can neither confirme nor deny. I'm sure you know though.

 

[Fins Up]

At least they don't mount the engines upside down!

I'd argue but I'm switching to C-130s.

 

[T1bubba]

After doing some more research it turns out that SWA did fire a probationary pilot who is a drilling reservist for reasons "unrelated to his military service", although he had been counseled about taking too much military leave. Since the pilot is on probation the union can't directly represent him but they are doing what they can.

I suspect the ESGR lawyers will be involved shortly, and hopefully the pilot will have his job back very soon.

T1

 

[AlbieF15]

As the senior TG in my unit I've had a little conversation with a SWA regional CP. I think the situation has since been 100% resolved with no more follow up issues. His concern was "why do YOU have to be there several times a month...many of our reservists only miss ONE trip per month..."

I took some time out of my busy day to explain various currencies....LASDT, Night Squares, AAR, etc etc. and how you have to be available when the training is available. I also explained in a figher unit being there for Friday meetings is highly encouraged every week...but we LET him slide 2/4 weeks. Once we had our conversation the situation has changed. However--I did feel like my pilot was getting some "pressure" prior to our conversation. Good news is since then everyone has been playing nice.

Having 2 loyalties is tough. However--airlines are business and will let you go during a downturn. My liscense plate says "National Guard". My kids are proud I serve and tell their teachers their daddy helps keep them safe. I thank God every day for my employer, but I thank him even more for my Country. Until you've tried to hold down two jobs and keep everyone happy (hint: you can't...), you don't know the pressure.

 

[Afterprop]

I'd argue but I'm switching to C-130s.

And that would be the handsome high performance C-130 Hercules ;-) Really ! ! !
Cheers
'Props

 

[Worthy]

You would think being a military guy would be a good thing. I had the opportunity to talk to KD (CAL). He asked more questions about my military obligations than anything else. Haven't heard good things concerning CAL and military leave either.

 

[PastV1]

We've had a few Golden Nugs or whatever their called trying to take mil leave during IOE. Wonder how many guys want their jobs? The problem is that some of the guys abuse the mil leave. That makes it tough on everyone else trying to do what's right.

Past...

 

[jayman]

Fired for taking military leave

You would think being a military guy would be a good thing. I had the opportunity to talk to KD (CAL). He asked more questions about my military obligations than anything else. Haven't heard good things concerning CAL and military leave either.

According to USRRA employers are not allowed to ask about your military obligations during an interview. Notice for taking mil leave should be timely, but can be written OR verbal. There is no length of time you must stay with an employer before you can take military leave. You can take it day one if you want...the USERRA actually states that there is no difference between Involuntary or Voluntary military service.
CAL fired me for taking mil leave and has said I "lied" by not giving them timely notice even thought I let them know as soon as I was sure I elected to take mil leave after budgeting had approved funding for my orders. I also told them prior to my training that my military leave was a good possibility. I have filed a complaint with him DOL online complaint system. It now rests with the Attorney General's office.
http://www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm
I encourage anyone who is getting hassled by their airline to file a complaint. Ant to call your Senator...since they have a vested interest in the citezen soldiers of their state.
There has been many firing and discrimination cases against guard and reservists where the employer attempts to use another reason as a subterfuge for termination to avoid ramifications of violating the USERRA. Many reservists are afraid to take military leave for fear of "retaliation" from the CP. This is also against USERRA law. There are many case precedents that clearly show these actions as illegal...you don't have to be a lawyer to understand them.
http://www.dol.gov/vets/regs/fedreg/final/2005023961.pdf
If you have been fired, harassed, questioned or retaliated against for taking or asking to take mil leave...pm me and I may be able to help you.