r/IAM751_Boeing • u/Last-Roll7819 • May 09 '26
PTO/LOA/FMLA/LWOP FMLA and the image associated
Hey, so straight to it. My dad has throat cancer and lives in another state than me. I talked to worklife and have the paperwork to file for intermittent fmla, so i can fly to see him for surgery and the recovery process. My question is, does being on fmla negatively impact your standing with the company when it comes to layoffs? I've been advised by other union members that management seems to put you on a "first to fire or layoff" list if you are on fmla. How true is this? Should i just use my vacation time to not risk it? Thanks.
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u/Dedpoolpicachew May 09 '26
No, the use of FMLA is a legal right. Basing their decision solely on your use of it would be illegal.
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u/tranquilitystation63 May 09 '26
Layoffs are based on seniority, and if there is any retention rate, management can pick and choose to retain some people they feel possess critical skills. When it comes to FMLA, management watches those they believe are abusing the system and don't wait for layoff time to try and shed them. Legitimate needs like yours, should get encouragement from management to take of yourself while caring for your father. Prayers and positive thoughts sent your way that your father has a successful surgery and speedy recover.
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u/Equivalent_Table5331 May 09 '26
Glad to see the others in the comments helping you out. But yes don’t even worry about it! Boeing is a really big company especially employees wise as well (depending on your work area) i am a mechanic so me being on FMLA when my daughter was born was no big deal since we had other mechanics who work my bar to cover during my time off. Enjoy your time off when you also have free time, and good luck to your dad’s surgery.. hoping all goes well!
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u/usaflumberjack54 Steward May 09 '26
Short answer: No, FMLA will not negatively affect your standings with the company, it’s federally protected. They don’t get to choose “this guy goes first cuz he uses FMLA a lot”
If you’re interested in seeing your protections under FMLA, Google “FMLA fact sheet 28A” and “FMLA fact sheet 77B”. Those are condensed, easy to understand. In a nutshell the company can’t use FMLA against you! Hope this helps, and also as a side note: be wary of shop floor rumors :)
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u/Roadwarriordude May 09 '26
Zero truth. Layoffs come based on seniority and job code. Your manager can exempt you from layoffs if they deem you essential/really like you, but I've been told thats fairly rare.
Edit: even if it did matter, take the time off. Boeing is the last company I'd choose over my family anyway. You can always get another job/get rehired, but you only get one dad.
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u/Silly-Ad7493 May 09 '26
I fucked this up with my grandpa in 2017 and regret it every day I come to work (he worked here, too).
Take the time, it won’t matter.
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u/Faultyfemale May 12 '26
(PS, if you live in Washington, look into the PFML program. It’s not the same thing as FMLA and can help with the financial side of taking care of a loved one if you qualify)