I have several mates who have had greater than 6 months sick leave during their 4-5 year tenure at EK. All started courses or are about to in the last 6 months, on time with no delay.
The other night I finally flew with one of these elusive guys who has had their upgrade delayed 6 months due to sick leave. Whilst incredibly pissed off with the whole situation, he grudgingly admitted to 'probably having more a few more uncertified sick days in the last 2 years than he should have'.
Sadly, by the fourth beer, the stories he was telling the cute little Aussie GR2 indicated quite a lot more uncertifieds than he initially let on. You do reap what you sow.
The moral of the story? As a wise young captain once said to me, the company allows 7 uncertified sick days per year. So if you're sick, go to the doctor. Save those 7 to help manage your 90+ hour rosters
