AUG 27 - Flight Attendants are reminded that sick leave pairings from their monthly flight schedule may be released into open time earlier than eight (8) hours prior to scheduled departure.
Flight Attendants are reminded that sick leave pairings from their monthly flight schedule may be released into open time earlier than eight (8) hours prior to scheduled departure. In certain circumstances where Flight Attendants become ill after the award of monthly schedules, and where they learn from their physician that their illness will keep them away from the work place for an extended period of time, they may call to request the pairings encompassed in this period of absence be released to open time.
A Flight Attendant who wants to release their sick leave pairing(s) can do so by notifying the Flight Attendant Support Team (FAST), when calling to place yourself on sick leave that you would like to release the trips to open time earlier than the eight (8) hours prior to scheduled departure.
It should also be understood; Crew Scheduling management supports this action when you know you are unable to cover the assignment. By getting these pairings into open time, we create opportunities for others to pick up these pairings to increase time, as well as ensuring these pairings are available for assignment to Reserves with more than minimum notice.
Keep in mind that although Flight Attendants have the latitude to make the decision on whether or not to release their trips early, there is no requirement to do so, especially in those circumstances where there is an expectation of being able to fly those trips at some point in the future. We should not misinterpret what is being said and no Flight Attendant should be pressured into releasing a pairing(s) on her/his line that she/he believes they may be able to fly. Having the knowledge that these pairings can be released earlier than eight hours is important and doing so, under the right circumstances, can have the effect of changing the quality of life for a flying partner.
