CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) faces a federal lawsuit from aircraft technician Hasan Syed, a Hoffman Estates resident battling Stage 4 lymphoma (cancer), who claims his supervisor fired him during a chemotherapy session for taking excessive time off, despite using accrued leave.
Syed, hired as a 737 controller near Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), continued performing duties amid treatment but was terminated seven days before qualifying for Family and Medical Leave Act protections, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
United Airlines Cancer Technician Fired
Hasan Syed started at United Airlines (UA) in April 2024 as a Boeing 737 controller, responsible for troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems on aircraft.
He consistently met or exceeded performance expectations until December 2024, when serious health issues prompted doctor visits to identify the cause.
In early 2025, a CT scan revealed a tumor in his nasal passage, and a biopsy confirmed Stage 4 lymphoma, with the cancer spreading beyond the lymphatic system to other organs.
Syed remained fully able to perform his regular tasks and immediately notified his supervisor, who advised him to focus on getting better.
Syed requested a temporary transfer to the Planning Department, which would have been less stressful and more manageable during treatment. Management stated they would look into it and recommend him for the position, but no action followed.
Treatment, Schedule, and Accommodation
In January 2025, Syed attended numerous doctor visits for diagnostic and treatment planning. He began chemotherapy in February 2025, working 12-hour shifts on a 4 days on, 5 days off schedule.
He used accrued sick leave and vacation time for one or two recovery days after each session and took one week off for hospitalization due to anxiety-related issues.
Despite medical challenges, Syed continued performing his job duties to the best of his ability. In April 2025, while in the middle of a chemotherapy session, he received a phone call from his supervisor, who said, “I’m sorry, but I have to let you go – you’re taking too much time off work.”
The termination occurred just 7 days before Syed’s one-year work anniversary, denying him Family and Medical Leave Act eligibility with enhanced job security.
He was told he could reapply for his position once better, but he remains unemployed. The lawsuit contends this action discriminated against him due to his disability, need for medical treatment, and anticipated use of job-protected leave, showing a willful and/or reckless violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Legal Proceedings
The firing caused Syed significant financial harm, emotional distress, humiliation, loss of dignity, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life during a vulnerable period.
A discrimination charge filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights in November 2025, attached as an exhibit to the complaint, notes his treatment success, with a recent PET scan showing remission.
On December 29, 2025, Syed received a right-to-sue letter from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The federal lawsuit, filed Tuesday in a Chicago court and obtained by The Independent, states his union could not contest the termination due to a lack of seniority.
Syed seeks back pay with interest, front pay, liquidated damages, compensatory and punitive damages, plus court costs and attorneys’ fees.
Additional Lawsuits Involving United Airlines
United Airlines faces other employee claims. In July 2025, a New Jersey ramp agent sued over relentless sexual harassment starting with her supervisor’s greeting, “Welcome to United.
You are fine as hell,” escalating after complaints and culminating in a solo assignment to remove a 300-pound dead body from a plane, causing injury and leading to her firing.
That month, a senior pilot sued after a head injury caused disorientation and slurring, claiming wrongful alcoholism accusations, forced inpatient rehab, and threats of termination unless he admitted to a nonexistent addiction.
Another lawsuit alleged unchecked racism and harassment, with an employee fired for reporting a white supervisor ordering a Black worker to “go fetch” a noose.
Health Claims and Employer Accountability
A separate lawsuit filed by Syed in August 2025 against Monsanto attributes his lymphoma to three decades of using Roundup herbicide, linked by studies to increased risks of various cancers, including lymphoma.
Attorney Chad Eisenback of Atlas Law Center, representing Syed, told The Independent: “Mr. Syed’s case is about a worker who did everything he could to keep working while fighting a serious medical condition, and was terminated instead of supported.
Atlas Law Center stands firmly with Mr. Syed and with every employee who faces discrimination, retaliation, or a denial of basic workplace dignity because of a medical condition or disability.
No one should have to choose between their health and their livelihood, and we will continue to hold employers accountable when they do.”
A United Airlines spokesperson did not respond on Wednesday to a request for comment.
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