What Should I Do If I Receive A Chronic Absenteeism Notice?

Before a member is charged with chronic absenteeism, the Authority must afford a member the opportunity to present verifiable evidence of a chronic medical condition. This condition can be FMLA qualifying! An example of this would be a series of headaches that later was found to be high blood pressure! When resubmitting documentation have your doctor put any diagnosis on his/her letterhead, along with any testing that was done. Include dates and as mentioned if it’s FMLA qualifying. These letters that are mailed out should not be ignored. Though the Authority gives you 21 days to come up with the documentation and the union is aware that it can take longer, it is best to take longer and bring quality documentation.
Many members who receive the 21 day letter misinterpret it as resubmitting the same sick forms. Chronic absenteeism is the backdoor to discipline sickness! Be mindful!