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Overview
United Airlines’ leave policies are under review by the Labor Department due to an increase in regulations attempting to control the supposed misuse of sick leave by employees.
Investigation into United’s Leave Policies
Jessica Looman, the Labor Department’s wage and hour administrator, stated that numerous recent inquiries from United Airlines’ employees have brought a possible change in the company’s leave policies to their attention. The agency will be cooperating with the carrier and its workers to ensure all leave policies comply with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
About the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The FMLA ensures that specific employees can avail up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-secured leave each year. During this period, the employees’ group health benefits must also be kept intact. This legislation applies to all public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies employing a minimum of 50 workers.
United Airlines Stand
In a statement to FOX Business, United argued that despite a majority of their flight attendants providing excellent service this summer, the number of sick leave reports has seen an alarming increase during weekends. The spokesperson mentioned that United’s agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA allows the airline to ask for a medical note in cases where abuse of sick leave is detected.
Union’s Response
According to the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, United’s current approach is an attempt to breach the contract and obligations under the law concerning sick leave rights. Despite this, United maintains that its policy does not interfere with workers’ rights to take approved unpaid leave under the FMLA and that it fully complies with federal law and the union contract.
Final Remarks
Moreover, Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, shared that the union has been raising concerns to the Labor Department about United’s practices related to the FMLA. This includes issues with auto designation and documentation over the past year. The association has communicated these concerns to the Labor Department’s legal team amassing official complaints from individual flight attendants. Meanwhile, United stated it plans to revert to its previous system, where a doctor’s note was not required soon.
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