United Airlines has introduced a new policy requiring flight attendants to provide a doctor’s note for any sick calls made on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
This change, effective immediately, comes in response to a reported 23% increase in weekend sick calls during the summer, which the airline believes indicates misuse of sick leave. The airline's management argues that this measure is necessary to ensure operational reliability and minimize disruptions for passengers, but the policy has sparked significant backlash from the flight attendants and their union.
The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) has criticized this policy, arguing that it violates the current contract. According to the union, United can only require an absence certificate during specific periods, such as the July 4th and Christmas holidays, not weekends. Additionally, the timing for submitting these certificates, as per the contract, differs from the new 72-hour requirement imposed by United. The AFA contends that this new policy is not only a breach of their contractual rights but also an undue burden on flight attendants who may find it challenging to obtain a doctor’s note on short notice, especially over a weekend.
The union plans to file a grievance, although this process could be lengthy. In the meantime, flight attendants are advised to comply with the policy to avoid disciplinary action, which could include termination. The AFA warns that this policy might deter sick calls due to the inconvenience of obtaining a doctor’s note, potentially leading to flight attendants working while ill. This could have serious implications for the health and safety of both the crew and passengers, especially in the context of an airline industry still grappling with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The timing of this policy change has also drawn criticism, coming shortly after a major IT outage that severely disrupted United’s operations. The union has labeled the policy as a sign of management’s disconnect and lack of respect for flight attendants, especially during ongoing contract negotiations. Flight attendants at United are currently preparing for a strike authorization vote as their protracted contract negotiations continue without resolution. This new policy is seen by many as an additional strain on an already tense relationship between the airline's management and its cabin crew.
United Airlines maintains that the policy is necessary to ensure operational reliability and minimize disruptions for passengers. However, the union and affected flight attendants view it as an overreach and a breach of their contractual rights. The AFA has emphasized that while the company can impose the policy in the meantime, there is a risk in non-compliance. Flight attendants affected by the policy are encouraged to keep detailed records, as they may eventually be compensated if the grievance process finds the policy to be improper.
The broader implications of this policy change are significant. It raises questions about the balance between operational efficiency and employee rights, particularly in an industry where the well-being of the staff is directly linked to the safety and comfort of passengers. For an airline that previously emphasized the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations as a mandatory job requirement to prevent the spread of the virus, this policy could paradoxically encourage sick employees to work, potentially increasing the risk of illness transmission.
The controversy surrounding United Airlines' new sick leave policy highlights the ongoing challenges within the airline industry as it seeks to recover from the pandemic while addressing labor disputes and operational disruptions. As the grievance process unfolds, the outcome will likely have lasting implications for both United Airlines and its flight attendants, setting a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.
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