CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) is drawing criticism after reportedly issuing a stern warning to flight attendants that their medical leave documentation under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) could be used not only to evaluate their request but also to assess their fitness for duty.
The move, flagged by aviation analyst JonNYC, has sparked concerns among employees at United’s major hubs like Newark (EWR), Houston (IAH), and San Francisco (SFO), raising questions over privacy rights, union protection, and possible retaliation.
Representative Photo: United AirlinesUnited Airlines Medical Leave
United Airlines (UA) appears to be increasing scrutiny on flight attendants seeking medical leave.
According to internal communications reported by aviation sources, the airline is demanding detailed medical evidence for FMLA approval and issuing a chilling caveat: the same medical documentation may be used to evaluate whether a flight attendant is still fit to work.
The specific language in the communication emphasizes the need for “substantial medical facts” to justify conditions that might incapacitate crew members “up to four times per month or up to three days per episode.”
someone adds:
„The UA FMLA stuff is apparently company wide, not just crew. Some bean counter must have seen how much fmla was being used across all departments and really cracked down on”
— JonNYC (@xJonNYC) June 13, 2025
However, the crucial clause – stating that this information may also be used to determine employment fitness – has raised alarm.
Critics argue this oversteps the intent of FMLA, a federal law designed to protect employees needing medical leave for themselves or family members.
While United claims this approach is necessary to combat misuse of FMLA and sick leave, labor advocates view it as intimidation.
The implication that medical information could lead to termination may deter employees from exercising legally protected rights.
Photo: Clément AlloingPolicy Tightening and Surveillance
This is not United’s first move targeting flight attendants over medical or sick leave. In 2023, the airline reportedly began requiring medical verification from accredited physicians for weekend sick calls — a departure from previous policies that allowed self-reporting.
Earlier still, crew members were allegedly asked to give advance notice of illness, which critics say is both medically and legally impractical.
Additionally, United has been accused of surveillance practices against staff on leave. In a now widely cited case, the airline hired a private investigator to track a flight attendant suspected of abusing leave — ultimately leading to termination.
While the company frames such actions as necessary to curb systemic abuse, employee groups argue it reflects a punitive culture.
Photo: Cado PhotoUnion Response
Despite the concerns, United’s latest union contract with flight attendants does not appear to directly address or limit these evolving enforcement tactics.
Union leadership has acknowledged the tension but has yet to publicly confirm a legal or contractual response to United’s use of medical information beyond FMLA processing.
Given the scale of United’s global operations and reliance on flight attendants across major U.S. airports, the fallout from this policy could escalate if not checked. Employee trust, morale, and transparency are likely to be key points of negotiation in future contract discussions.
Photo: Clément AlloingAbuse Prevention with Employee Rights
While some level of policy enforcement is reasonable to ensure integrity, the extent of United’s measures has sparked debate across the aviation industry.
Companies face real operational challenges when leave is misused — especially in a labor-intensive sector with strict scheduling. But drawing the line between enforcement and intimidation is crucial.
Experts emphasize that while employers can investigate FMLA abuse, retaliating against employees based on legitimate medical conditions may violate both labor contracts and federal law.
The final outcome may depend on employee pushback, union strength, and potential intervention by labor authorities.
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United Airlines Attendants Lost Arbitration on Weekend Sick Leave Policy
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