December 6, 2022
A pilot employed by United Airlines was diagnosed with alcohol dependency and lost his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate. Under a United program, pilots with addictions who want to obtain new medical certificates from the FAA must regularly attend AA meetings. The pilot, who is Buddhist, objected to the religious content of AA and sought to substitute his attendance at such meetings with regular attendance at a Buddhism-based peer support group. United Airlines declined this request, and the pilot could not get a new FAA medical certificate permitting him to fly again.
After pursuing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and later filing a lawsuit, the pilot and United Airlines entered into a settlement agreement wherein United Airlines agreed to pay the pilot $305,000 and reinstate the pilot into its human intervention motivational study program for pilots with addictions while allowing him to attend a non-twelve step peer recovery program.
This case should, of course, highlight the importance of discussing and potentially accommodating an employee’s religious beliefs.
If you have questions regarding this or any other matter, please contact Dean Leazenby at Warrick & Boyn, LLP.