New York City is suing American Airlines over claims it has been retaliating against workers who use sick days.
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection says the airline penalizes workers by filing disciplinary points against them for every sick day used, or not allowing them to use their sick leave.
It also alleges the airline orders workers to supply medical documentation before it is required by law.
The lawsuit was filed with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings and is seeking $375,000 in restitution for more than 750 ground crew workers including mechanics, agents and fleet service workers.
"American Airlines is not above the law. Workers in major transportation hubs where thousands of people pass through everyday should not have to choose between going into work sick or getting in trouble for exercising their right to take a sick day," said commissioner Lorelei Salas.
The suit is also seeking civil penalties against American.
The airline denied the claims and defended its treatment of workers.
"Employees enjoy generous sick leave and benefits, including those set by union contracts with terms that are often more generous than required by the New York law" it said in a statement.
