Sacramento, CA: (Apr-17-08) A class action was brought against American Airlines Inc., by pilots, alleging that the airline did not allow the pilots to accrue vacation and sick leave benefits while on military leave to the same extent as pilots on other forms of leave. American Airlines, a unit of AMR Corp., stated that the majority of military leaves taken by pilots are under four days, which were covered under it's policies. Leave of 17 days or longer apparently also received full vacation benefits, up to a one-year limit of 90 days.
Sources stated that as part of a settlement agreement reached by the two sides, the company agreed to resolve the class action claims with a $345,772 payout to 353 pilots for the loss of vacation and sick leave benefits. Additionally, under the terms of the deal, the airline will provide currently employed pilots with sick leave credits worth $215,000. The current settlement would cover the gap between four days and 17 days by providing benefits to all military leaves of 16 consecutive days or less. Officials claimed that following the settlement, the airline will look at modifying its existing policies and practices to ensure that all pilots who are called to serve in the military will continue to accrue appropriate vacation and sick leave benefits. [
