Estrada v. Alaska Airlines, Inc.

This is a putative class action on behalf of California-based flight attendants at Alaska Airlines. The action challenges Alaska Airlines’ attendance control policy that systematically penalizes flight attendants for taking paid sick leave in violation of California Labor Code section 233.

The policy assigns points for various circumstances associated with taking sick leave.

Under the airline’s policy:

• Flight attendants are limited from taking more than one continuous occurrence of paid sick leave per calendar quarter
• Employees who exceed this limit are assigned disciplinary “points” that remain on their records for up to 18 months
• Points are also issued for other circumstances related to sick leave, including late notice
• Flight attendants who accumulate 12 points face termination

This attendance control policy forces flight attendants to choose between their job security and their health, sometimes compelling them to work while ill—risking not only their own wellbeing but also that of their coworkers and passengers. These policies directly contradict California law, which is designed to protect employees’ right to take sick leave without fear of discipline or retaliation, forcing essential workers who keep our skies safe to choose between their health and their livelihood.

If you are a California-based flight attendant at Alaska Airlines who has been affected by this attendance points system, we encourage you to contact us to share your experience and learn more about your rights under California law.