CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) has rescinded its contentious sick leave policy for flight attendants, which was implemented two months ago.
The policy, which required flight attendants to provide absence certificates for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shifts, faced significant backlash and prompted an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor for potential violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act.
United Revokes Sick Leave Policy
An internal memo obtained by Live and Let’s Fly reveals the airline’s decision to immediately discontinue the requirement for absence certificates on weekends.
United Airlines claims the policy achieved its intended goal of reducing “highly unusual sick call rates on weekends to normal percentages.”
The airline previously reported a 23% increase in weekend sick calls during the summer months, prompting the policy change. United maintains that the temporary measure effectively mitigated risks to operations during peak summer travel periods.
While the policy has been rescinded, United Airlines states it will continue to monitor sick leave trends closely. The company expressed hope that reinstating such requirements would not be necessary in the future.
Pressure from the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (USDL) may have influenced the policy’s repeal. United claims the change is no longer necessary after accomplishing its purpose.
Criticism by AFA and USDL
The AFA criticized the policy upon implementation, stating it demonstrated a “lack of respect” for flight attendants. The union, currently negotiating contract renewals with United, had considered strike action partly due to this policy.
The controversial policy violated two clauses in the existing contract. First, it expanded medical certification requirements beyond specific holidays. Second, it shortened the timeframe for submitting certificates from the next flight check-in to within 72 hours.
United introduced the policy with less than 24 hours notice, prompting numerous complaints. These complaints triggered a USDL investigation into potential Family and Medical Leave Act violations, which will likely be suspended following the policy’s reversal.
The AFA continues to negotiate for improved pay and benefits for United flight attendants. The policy’s repeal may ease tensions in ongoing labor discussions, but contract renewal negotiations remain a critical issue for the airline and its flight crew.
Last month, United flight attendants overwhelmingly approved strike authorization, with 99.99% voting in favor and over 90% participation.
With strike authorization secured, the AFA can now request a release from the National Mediation Board (NMB). This action would trigger a 30-day “cooling off” period, potentially leading to a strike deadline.
This marks the first strike authorization vote for United flight attendants since the 2005 bankruptcy negotiations. Similar recent votes at American (AA), Alaska (AS), and Southwest Airlines (WN) have accelerated contract negotiations.
Investigation for Misconduct in Loyalty Program
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has initiated an investigation into major airline frequent flyer programs, targeting potential illegal points devaluations and questionable accounting practices.
The investigation targets the four largest U.S. carriers: American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), Southwest (WN), and United Airlines (UA).
The investigation aims to protect customers’ rewards from practices that could diminish their value, benefit, or availability. The DOT has ordered the airlines to file reports responding to specific questions about their loyalty programs.
What are your thoughts on United Airlines’ management decisions and policy? Let us know in the comments below.
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