United Airlines Lost Arbitration on Weekend sick Leave Policy

CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) flight attendants have lost an arbitration case regarding a contested sick leave policy affecting weekend absences. The ruling permits the airline to demand a doctor’s note for sick calls made on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.

The policy was first introduced at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) last summer following a significant increase in weekend sick reports. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) challenged the move, calling it “reprehensible,” but an independent arbitrator sided with the airline.

Photo: United Airlines

United Airlines Sick Leave Policy

In July 2023, United Airlines (UA) instituted a policy mandating that flight attendants submit a doctor’s note when calling out sick for weekend flights.

The rule applied to trips beginning on Friday through Sunday and gave just 24 hours’ notice before enforcement.

Employees unable to produce a medical certification within 72 hours faced disciplinary measures, including possible termination.

The airline argued the policy was necessary to combat what it identified as a sharp and sustained rise in sick calls, reaching 22% on weekends, compared to weekday rates.

According to United, the objective was to prevent misuse of sick leave, especially during high-demand travel periods.

Despite union pushback, the arbitrator found United was within its contractual rights to enforce such a rule if there was evidence of sick leave abuse.

While the policy was suspended weeks after implementation due to reduced absenteeism, the ruling gives United the power to reinstate it if similar circumstances emerge, PYOK reported.

Photo: United Airlines

Union’s Challenge

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) argued that the policy violated its collective bargaining agreement, which only allowed for mandatory medical documentation during peak holiday periods like July 4 and Christmas.

However, the arbitrator interpreted the agreement as granting the airline discretion under exceptional circumstances.

Following the ruling, Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of AFA-CWA, stated the union’s legal team is exploring the possibility of a federal court appeal.

During recent talks, United officials noted a resurgence in weekend sick calls, similar to trends seen in early 2023, though the airline confirmed no immediate plans to reintroduce the weekend policy.

Nonetheless, the company has introduced an additional rule requiring at least eight hours’ advance notice for any sick leave.

Failure to comply could result in a performance warning, adding to the pressure flight attendants face.

Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr

Safety Considerations

United Airlines is not alone in facing challenges related to crew availability. Delta Air Lines (DL), among others, has reported similar spikes in absenteeism, particularly surrounding holidays and major events.

Some veteran crew members attribute the trend to post-pandemic hiring practices, claiming the rapid intake of inexperienced staff may have diluted workplace norms.

Experts highlight a complex trade-off: while airlines need to deter misuse of sick leave to maintain operational reliability, overly strict policies may discourage genuinely ill employees from calling out, posing safety risks.

The Department of Labor previously signaled interest in reviewing the United policy, but union contacts reportedly ceased after the change in US presidential administration.

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The post United Airlines Lost Arbitration on Weekend Sick Leave Policy appeared first on Aviation A2Z.