{"id":99791,"date":"2025-06-16T02:32:09","date_gmt":"2025-06-15T21:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=99791"},"modified":"2025-06-16T21:59:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T16:29:04","slug":"united-airlines-lost-arbitration-on-weekend-sick-leave-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/16\/united-airlines-lost-arbitration-on-weekend-sick-leave-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"United Airlines Attendants Lost Arbitration on Weekend Sick Leave Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CHICAGO-<\/strong> United Airlines (UA)<\/a> 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\u2019s note for sick calls made on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The policy was first introduced at Chicago O\u2019Hare International Airport (ORD)<\/a> last summer following a significant increase in weekend sick reports. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) challenged the move, calling it \u201creprehensible,\u201d but an independent arbitrator sided with the airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: United Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines Sick Leave Policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In July 2023, United Airlines (UA) instituted a policy mandating that flight attendants submit a doctor\u2019s note when calling out sick for weekend flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rule applied to trips beginning on Friday through Sunday and gave just 24 hours’ notice before enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employees unable to produce a medical certification within 72 hours faced disciplinary measures, including possible termination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

According to United, the objective was to prevent misuse of sick leave, especially during high-demand travel periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: United Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Union\u2019s Challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the arbitrator interpreted the agreement as granting the airline discretion under exceptional circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the ruling, Ken Diaz, president of the United chapter of AFA-CWA, stated the union\u2019s legal team is exploring the possibility of a federal court<\/a> appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Nonetheless, the company has introduced an additional rule requiring at least eight hours\u2019 advance notice for any sick leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failure to comply could result in a performance warning, adding to the pressure flight attendants face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Safety Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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United Airlines Flight Attendants Salary in 2025 | New Deal<\/a><\/blockquote>