United Pilot Gets Second Shot at Suit Over Paid Military Leave

A United Airlines Inc. pilot and U.S. Air Force reservist convinced the Seventh Circuit on Wednesday to revive his claims against the company, successfully arguing that paid military leave is a “right and benefit” protected by federal law.

Employers providing paid leave for other types of absences like jury duty and sick leave are bound by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act to also provide paid military leave to qualifying employees, Judge Diane P. Wood said for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

It was the first time the issue had come before the courts ...