MaydayMark

On a similar and related subject ...

Approximately a year ago I thought to myself, "Self, you're unable to do your job for medical reasons beyond your control. I wonder if you're eligible for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)?"

It was difficult to make an appointment at ANY of my local Social Security offices (they seem to prefer that you file online). I finally scheduled an appointment. I was VERY HONEST about all of my sick leave, vacation and disability leave benefits. I gave them the name of every doctor I had seen in the past year (There were a LOT of them). They told me to expect to hear something in 3-4 months but that I was probably eligible for benefits.

When I had not heard anything after 6 months, I called my local Social Security office and asked the status of my SSDI application. They told me they had NOT STARTED on it yet! I asked if there was anything I could do to help expedite the process? They told me, "We're a government agency ... if you want it quicker, call your Congressman" (no kidding!*?).

So ... I called my Congressman. The very nice lady that took my phone call emailed me a 1 page form to fill out. She told me she knew exactly who to call (she probably calls that office every week?). I completed her form and returned it to her the same day. The NEXT DAY I received an email from Social Security saying my application had been designated a "Congressional Inquiry." The FOLLOWING DAY I was notified that my application had been APPROVED!

Maybe MEMFO4Ever's suggestion of a Congressional Inquiry is a pretty good idea! Is there a law against harassing employees who call in sick? What would the Labor Department say?

Thought for the day ... In as much as Social Security has officially determined that I'm "disabled", I'm also a veteran ... does that mean I can file as a Disabled Veteran? I'll let you know what I find out.

Now ... I wonder if I can figure out how to get an "Obama phone"?

olly

IAW FAA order 8900, the POI & the company have a joint responsibility to ensure the sick leave policies, do not incur fear of discipline or retaliation for using sick leave. ("an advisory letter leading to discipline" from BM sure sounds like "fear of discipline" to me)

We are all covered under federal protection, similar to the whistleblower act, when dealing with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), (under which the FAA order 8900 derives it's authority).

The company has a cozy relationship with the POI, so if you were to take independent action, I would ensure that you cc the DOT OIG, OKC FAA and your congressman and build a solid paper trail, as the POI may respond with an answer similar to the viewpoint from labor relations- Maxwell. The company may take a dim view of things if they have to start answering to the feds. (not that they don't deserve it) Anecdotally, the company has also demonstrated "retaliation" in many forms, some that they can plausibly deny as "random audits" and other methods as well, to avoid the federal protections.

It's a shame that the company is using 1920's labor relations tactics, and school yard bully behavior to "control" the workforce, all the while touting the whole communication & integrity line.

But we are in contract negotiations, and this type of behavior is well documented in labor relations during contract negotiations. SO-- enjoy ALL your scheduled days off this spring & summer!!

busdriver12

MaydayMark, I hope whatever is causing you illness is not life threatening, and can eventually be cured. Good luck to you.

Jetjok

Mark,

The Social Security Administration and the Veterans Administration are two completely separate organizations, and as such, being declared "disabled" by one does not entitle one to be "disabled" by the other. As well, in order for you to be declared "disabled" by the VA, you not only have to apply, but also present information that shows your disability was a function of your active military service. And if you thought you'd waited a long time for a determination from the SSA, you wouldn't believe how long it could take for the VA to make that decision. That said, if you do believe you have a valid claim, I'd recommend you start the process ASAP, because the benefits can be remarkable, depending on your disability rating.

pipe

Don't be a tool. If you choose to position yourself as a leader, step one is to hold yourself to the highest standards. I would think a Marine would get that. The aforementioned behavior is not leadership by example.

Pipe

USMCFDX

OK you are the second internet commando to PIPE in on this issue.

Why is where the CP parks to go to work every day an issue? Tell me what leadership he is or isn't demonstrating by parking in that lot. Is he taking a spot away from another line pilot? Maybe he is parking there to free up a spot for another person in the other lot, how the hell do you know why he parks there? Did you ask him?

Where is your heartburn over the line pilots breaking the rules and parking in the O&B lot? Are they tools also?

I have much more of an issue with the CP for issues of much greater importance.

Here is a first grade response to your name calling - I'm rubber you're glue what ever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.

Thanks for your insightful post also.

Perm11FO

Me thinks that we're spending WAAAAY too much time throwing stones at each other. Let's use those stones on issues worthy of our efforts, like contract issues and seagull interpretations of contract verbiage.

Busboy

It would help if we and our leaders grew some stones, first.

iarapilot

Got the notification for the Dr. note. Does the Union want to keep track of everyone getting the notification by having us send them the doctors note along with the notification that we have received? I cant find the answer in any of the messages they have sent lately.

FlyBoyd

Since the company won't advertise the exact point system within the STS, would you mind laying out your sick usage and timing for the last 18 months?