Are You Sick? Know The Contract!

Many of us have questions about the “Sick Book.” Other than where it might be located, what is it all about?

First of all, if you are injured at work—be it physical, mental or from repetitive stress injuries such as wrist, back or knees—you need to stay out of the Sick Book and tell manager (or Clerk) that you want to be put down as "Injured On Duty." That is a different topic that I cover in an article called Hurt At Work?

As your favorite annoying union steward, I always suggest looking in the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it comes to questions about wages and working conditions. 

First, you cannot be denied the right to call off work! That is important to understand because some managers will try to convince you to stay out of the "Sick Book" or interrogate you about it.

 

Articles 15.3 and 15.13 is where you get the facts about the "Sick Book." 

 

The first thing you will notice is that it says absolutely nothing about "Sick Book." That will trip you up if you are not aware. We have some cruel managers that will use that terminology to have you totally confused. 

 

The only mention of the exact word, "Sick Book," is in Article 12.14. It is very general: "Employees shall not be denied the right to sign in or call to get on the sick book." It doesn't specify a department or type of employee. However, the language is clear: You cannot be denied the right to get on it.

 

Keep in mind that you can—and probably will—be written up for calling off sick (whether you receive any kind of pay or not). See the section for "Excessive Absenteeism" in the CTA's Corrective Action Guidelines. Each sick entry will last up to one year. Six total will lead to termination. If you call off due to FMLA, that is not chargeable.

Getting written up for being sick is a disgusting, inhumane policy (especially if you are unpaid). That is another topic I cover in Will CTA Workers Get Paid Sick Leave With New State Law?

Below are web-based copies of all the Contract Articles I mention. I also include the procedure required to follow if you must call off sick for one day or more. Just click "View on Scribd" button if it doesn't automatically expand in your browser. You can access the entire Contract on the Know Your Rights section at ChicagoTransitWorker.com.

As always, please do not hesitate to post comments or ask questions. If any union officials claim I am incorrect, let me know. I will gladly change any such errors. 

 

Sick Book in The Contract by Chicago Transit Justice Coa...

The way you report the Sick Book entry is through the annoying "Third Party Administrator." That process is explained in the flier below. Here is information for setting up your claim and account for the "Third Party Administrator."

Sedgwick Service Center Number: 844-CTA-7038 (0700-2030 Monday-Friday)

Sedgwick Online: mysedgwick.com/CTA (registration is ridiculously long and does not work well with Firefox). Using the website seems to be the best method.

Sedgwick fax, mail and email:
859-825-7048
Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc
P.O. Box 14566
Lexington, KY 40512
CTADocs@sedgwick.com

CTA Sick Book Procedure by Chicago Transit Justice Coa...