Can't Keep Medical Clearance

[ThrowAwayAcct]

Long story short, I have passed my probationary period, but the geographic area I was assigned to has caused me to have medical issues that preclude me from maintaining a medical clearance unless moved to a different geographic area. Due to the aforementioned inability to keep an active medical clearance, the backlog of trainees, and the long checkout times, I have yet to actually get any sectors. My local ATM and Union rep both concurred on the hardship packet, but the regional level denied it. Any suggestions or helpful insight one can offer? I've got notes from the treating doctors that the medical condition is mainly due to the geographic area I have been assigned to. Thank you in advance, please no pointless bashing. I know the agency is shorthanded and I would rather get to somewhere I can actually be usable instead of continuing this problem with my medical and just being a body taking up a slot but cannot train and be usable at my current facility.

 

[Phillytroll69]

Here's the thing. Who actually denied it? The union has a whole committee that decides whether or not they will fight it. You need to find out exactly why it was denied.

The facrep or regional vp or hardship rep should have info.

Immediately file another hardship that includes whatever you were missing.

Attack from multiple angles-
Have the union fight on your behalf (lol)

Write your congressional rep, senator, etc. woth the information you have. (What the contract states, how you fulfilled it, how the FAA determined it was denied)

I'd recommend getting an attorney since the union obviously isn't going to fight this for you....but you probably can't afford that.

 

[ThrowAwayAcct]

Thank you, Philly, my facility rep reached out to the regional rep, but never got any further clarification. I have appointments coming up next week to get more documentation and file again, but obviously it takes time. I am also planning on going to speak with regional HR in person about my situation, as this has been going on for a long time and I would think the FAA would like to have a usable controller again. Any insight into a good attorney to look up? I know it's a very niche area of practice and most of the attorneys I have been referred to previously are all federal disability retirement attorneys.

 

[Phillytroll69]

Thank you, Philly, my facility rep reached out to the regional rep, but never got any further clarification. I have appointments coming up next week to get more documentation and file again, but obviously it takes time. I am also planning on going to speak with regional HR in person about my situation, as this has been going on for a long time and I would think the FAA would like to have a usable controller again. Any insight into a good attorney to look up? I know it's a very niche area of practice and most of the attorneys I have been referred to previously are all federal disability retirement attorneys.

Kinda sol on the attorney front.
Federal employment attorney usually go after discrimination stuff.
Maybe someone can recommend-ask your congressional people as well

 

[GMX]

Nm.

 

[GulfCharlie]

I would, out of an abundance of caution, start looking for other FAA jobs. There are a ton of vacancies that are not advertised, especially in OKC. Sometimes cold calling/emailing managers is best.

 

[FightingIrish2012]

They are cracking down on the allergies hardship scams, especially for new hires.

 

[FlightOfTheShortGuy]

They are cracking down on the allergies hardship scams, especially for new hires.

I’m pretty sure they are cracking down on all hardships.

 

[Phillytroll69]

I’m pretty sure they are cracking down on all hardships.

That's why, now, more than ever its important to be a union member.

We have a team of people fighting for every hardship that meets the contractual requirements!

Just kidding they meet once in awhile to decide who they are going to fight for usually had to do with pac donations and who your dad is

 

[Nothanks]

That's why, now, more than ever its important to be a union member.

We have a team of people fighting for every hardship that meets the contractual requirements!

Just kidding they meet once in awhile to decide who they are going to fight for usually had to do with pac donations and who your dad is

Really insightful for this guy, good post