7.29.19 – New York is Challenging AA’s Attendance Policy

Monday, July 29, 2019

On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings sued AA of violating the City’s sick leave laws. The New York City suit involves alleged violations of New York state law by the Company with respect to the ground worker attendance policy. According to the Commissioner of the Department:

“American Airlines is not above the law. Workers in major transportation hubs where thousands of people pass through every day should not have to choose between going into work sick or getting in trouble for exercising their right to take a sick day.”

As Flight Attendants, we have been placed under a separate policy that is not at issue in the lawsuit by the City of New York. Like the City, APFA is fighting the Company’s illegal and unreasonable policy that forces our Flight Attendants to choose between going to work sick or using our contractual sick entitlements. On behalf of all of our Flight Attendants, we are challenging the policy as a violation of our JCBA in our Attendance & Performance Program Presidential Grievance arbitration, and as discriminatory before the EEOC.

Although the issues and the forums may be different, this lawsuit underscores what APFA has been arguing since day one: this Company is wrong in its punitive treatment of employee attendance and sick leave.

APFA concluded its intense and detailed presentation in the Attendance & Performance Program Arbitration on June 13, 2019. The Company’s case and any APFA rebuttal will continue on September 12-13, 2019. All APFA members in good standing are encouraged to attend.

In Unity,