Airline Attendance Policies

[Typhoon1244]

I know of a Part 121 carrier that has an attendance policy that seems...well, a bit harsh. The policy is that if you accumulate six absences in twelve months, you receive a three-day suspension. Seven absences in twelve months means termination. The catch is that this rule applies to documented excused absences (eg. doctor records, etc.) as well as "no-shows."

Now I realize there are people out there who call in sick so they wont miss that Jimmy Buffett concert, or they suddenly get the flu if their commute isn't working out that day. Therefore that airlines have to make it clear that absenteeism is serious.

But what if you were legitimately sick those six times? I realize that you're no good to the company if you miss to much work, but there shouldn't there be some compensation for the fact that, sometimes, sh|t happens?

Is this pretty common among major and large-regional airlines? Or is the policy I've described somewhat unique?

(See, I've got this friend...)

 

[mckpickle]

It would never hold up in court.

 

[DorkProp]

The flight attendants at PSA used to have a ridiculous "point system" for sick calls. After so many points had accumulated there would be disciplinary action, including termination in some cases. Not sure exactly how they got rid of it, but the point system disappeared last year sometime.

It may be just a rumor, but I heard that a flight attendant called the FAA's whistle-blower hotline to report that the company was forcing her to work when she was sick and threatening termination otherwise.

Such a report to the FAA from a pilot would not bode well for the company in question. If a pilot does not meet the requirements of his medical certificate, he is un-fit to fly period, policy or no policy.

 

[Typhoon1244]

If a pilot does not meet the requirements of his medical certificate, he is un-fit to fly period, policy or no policy.

Granted...but you'd be amazed at what can happen when, say, you're toddler begins associating with other toddlers. (I never used to get sick, as Bill Cosby said, "until I had children!")

 

[Smoking Man]

Seven absences in twelve months means te

WOW, I am curious if you posed this question to an AME, what his/her response would be. Forcing a pilot to fly ILL or face termination? This would fall in the unique area.

Is this a system wide policy? I.E. office personnel, MX, FA's, etc. If it does not cover the entire company this would be discrimination.

However remind your friend , to pick his or her battles.

 

[RJPilott]

office personnel can go to work with a head cold. Pilots cant.

 

[Typhoon1244]

Office personnel can go to work with a head cold. Pilots can't.

Not that I didn't try...last Thursday. (I think my right ear was at a 4,500' cabin alt. until yesterday...)

 

[Slim]

And then....

My former employer tracked sick calls, but this manager took it to a new level.

During one calendar year, I had five sick calls. The first one was removal of an ingrown toenail on my big toe. The second was when my neck locked up and I couldn't move my head in any direction. The third was the same as the first (opposite toe). The fourth was an ear infection. The last was a filling which fell out during a layover. I called in sick during that trip and cleared the same day after the dentist put the filling back in. I admit, I thought that last one would generate some interest on the part of the company. The last one also occured on New Year's Eve.

In early February, the following year I received a certified letter requesting details on each event. I had no problem with the request. I was a National Guard company commander at the time, and had do similar things with some of my soldiers. After discussing the sick calls, I was told there was no problem.

Then, four weeks later, I received the same letter! That was going a little too far and I responded, in very clear terms, this was already taken care of and I would not discuss it any more.

FWIW, the company was American Airlines.

 

[DorkProp]

Slim, you need to take care of yourself before you start falling apart altogether.

 

[fly2002]

Hey guys...

Hey guys...just on the american airlines thing about being sick...questions of medicals. I was told by a former Eagle pilot that eagle and american pilot's have to see american airlines AME's in DFW to get their medicals...no outside doctors (ame's) allowed. I was just wondering what other airlines ..major or regionals that have this policy of not allowing someone to see any ame for their medical. Thanks guys/gals!!

 

[TCAS]

Re: Hey guys...

I was told by a former Eagle pilot that eagle and american pilot's have to see american airlines AME's in DFW to get their medicals...no outside doctors (ame's) allowed.

The former Eagle pilot was wrong... that is not and has never been a policy at Eagle or AA. The only time I have ever seen a company AME was during my interview physical.

 

[AA717driver]

fly and TCAS--I'll go one further. At AA, despite what they advertise in the manual, sick time is used for urgent personal business, getting back at the company for screwing you over, etc. This comes from a friend who has lots of experience with that.

In fact, the chief pilot even expected him to call in sick after training support screwed him. They have so much "past practice" established at AA, you could probably kill someone, call in sick while you served your time and come back to the line... TC