Woman blowing her nose. She is sick. United Airlines' shocking new sick leave rule has flight attendants fuming and the Labor Department investigating. Will this end in a strike?

United Airlines Sparks Outrage with Draconian Sick Leave Policy – And The Feds Step In!

United Airlines’ shocking new sick leave rule has flight attendants fuming and the Labor Department investigating. Will this end in a strike? 🔥 #News #Travel #UnitedAirlines

Labor Department Launches Probe!

ST. PAUL, MN – United Airlines is in hot water over a controversial new sick leave policy, prompting the Department of Labor to step in. This policy, rolled out last weekend, mandates flight attendants to present a doctor’s note if they call in sick on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.

The Department of Labor issued a statement on Thursday, revealing their awareness of potential changes in United Airlines’ leave policies through numerous worker inquiries. They pledged to work closely with the airline and its employees to ensure compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.

United Airline plane flying in the sky.

Flight Attendants Cry Foul

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), representing United’s flight attendants, has slammed the policy. They argue it violates their contract, which is already in a prolonged renegotiation phase. The AFA isn’t holding back, moving towards a strike vote to put pressure on management to expedite the process.

The union minced no words, stating the policy showcases management’s blatant disrespect for flight attendants and their contractual rights. This friction has been brewing for years, and the latest policy seems to be the tipping point.

United Airlines Defends Policy

United Airlines isn’t backing down either. They assert that the majority of their flight attendants have been exceptional this summer, despite a suspicious spike in weekend sick calls.

According to United, their contract with the AFA permits requiring a physician’s note in suspected cases of sick time abuse. They maintain that the policy is specifically aimed at the days when such abuse has been prevalent and hope to revert to their usual, less stringent approach soon.

Corporate offices in downtown.

Union Applauds Labor Department

In the wake of the Labor Department’s inquiry announcement, the union expressed their appreciation for the proactive stance. They vowed to continue their efforts to hold United’s management accountable to both the contract and the law.

This unfolding drama between United Airlines and its flight attendants is far from over, and all eyes are on the Department of Labor’s investigation. The battle lines are drawn, and the next move is eagerly anticipated.