{"id":129877,"date":"2026-01-16T23:34:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T18:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=129877"},"modified":"2026-01-16T19:36:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T14:06:05","slug":"united-lawsuit-alleges-737-technician-fired-during-chemotherapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/16\/united-lawsuit-alleges-737-technician-fired-during-chemotherapy\/","title":{"rendered":"United Faces New Lawsuit Amid 737 Technician Fired During Chemotherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CHICAGO-<\/strong> United Airlines (UA)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By \u00a9 Raimond Spekking \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=36767130<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines Cancer Technician Fired<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hasan Syed started at United Airlines (UA) in April 2024 as a Boeing 737<\/a> controller, responsible for troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems on aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He consistently met or exceeded performance expectations until December 2024, when serious health issues prompted doctor visits to identify the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Syed remained fully able to perform his regular tasks and immediately notified his supervisor, who advised him to focus on getting better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Duncan Kirk | https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/182528221@N07\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Treatment, Schedule, and Accommodation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019m sorry, but I have to let you go \u2013 you\u2019re taking too much time off work.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By DReifGalaxyM31 – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=37234099<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n