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It has been suggested that a 
United Airlines technician was fired in the middle of a chemotherapy session by his manager, for taking ‘too much time off work’. The claim, reported by The Independent, suggests that Hasan Syed was battling stage 4 cancer and had continued working while undergoing treatment, using accrued sick leave or vacation time to cover his absence at work.
Syed is now fighting the airline in a lawsuit after it is believed that his manager called him mid-chemo session and dismissed the employee. Throughout his treatment process, it was typically a day or two off work at a time to recover from the aftermath of chemotherapy and its debilitating effects.
Too Much Time Off Work
The sick employee has decided to challenge the airline after it is believed that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Such dismissal has caused emotional distress, humiliation, financial harm, and loss of dignity as reported by Syed. The individual has noted that had they been employed for one more week, protection would have been provided under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.
Syed’s attorney, Chad Eisenback, has reiterated to the Independent that Syed continued to do everything he could to remain in work during his battle with stage 4 cancer; it is alleged he was terminated instead of supported by the Star Alliance carrier. United Airlines had not responded to Simple Flying or the Independent by the time either of our articles was published.
Working for United Airlines in Chicago since April 2024 as a 737 controller, the individual’s responsibilities for the airline included mechanical, electrical, and avionic troubleshooting.
Serious Health Issues
Syed is suggested to be a dedicated employee who ‘exceeded performance expectations’ as per the complaint. However, in late December, Syed faced ‘serious health issues’ that led him to see a doctor. Following tests, a CT scan was completed, which identified a tumor located in the nasal passage.
A biopsy followed, comfirming the the diagnosis as a Stage 4 lymphoma. This meant that cancer was spreading to other organs in the body. Such a diagnosis required immediate attendance for chemotherapy. Syed is believed to have immediately spoken with his manager and, as such, remained committed to the airline while also taking the required time off to attend and recover from chemotherapy sessions.
According to the complaint, the response from Syed’s supervisor when revealing the diagnosis was to ‘focus on getting better’. As such, Syed also inquired about a transfer of roles to the Planning Department, which would have been ‘more manageable’ throughout his treatment journey – this role transfer never eventuated.
In addition to this complaint, Syed filed a separate lawsuit in August 2024 against Monsanto, blaming the stage 4 cancer on the herbicide Roundup, which had been used for three decades and has shown links to an increased risk of cancers, including lymphoma.
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The incident occurred nine months ago, but the new footage has only just surfaced online.
Less Than 12 Months On The Job
A sticking point in this complaint was that Syed had not been fully employed by United Airlines for more than 12 months, which would have enabled Syed more time off, through security under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Nonetheless, Syed remained committed to performing his duties where possible and, since first undergoing chemotherapy in February, worked 12-hour shifts in a four-day on, five-day off arrangement, in addition to one/two days off following each chemo treatment.
Fast forward to April 2025, and Syed was attending a chemotherapy session when it is claimed that he received a phone call from his direct line manager, noting that he was to be let go for ‘taking too much time off work’. This occurred just seven days before his first work anniversary. Syed was advised by the manager that he could reapply for his position once he was back to full health.
Discrimination charges were subsequently filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights last November, and in late December, Syed received a right-to-sue letter from the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Because of Syed’s needs for medical treatment, he has argued that United’s actions illustrate a willful and reckless violation of the ADA.
