American Airlines Vs. Ketogenic Diet
Spende geschützt
How the KETO diet and American Airlines/Union turned my dream into a nightmare
My name is André Riley. I became a flight attendant for USAirways I American Airlines in April of 2012. It was a life-changing career opportunity and an honor.
With the support from my friends and family, I've decided to start a GoFundMe to help with my arbitration and council expenses. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is requesting $5,000.00 for arbitration (council and filing fees not included) even after I’ve paid union dues for the last 8 years. I'm asking for any help in covering the $7,000 in direct and indirect expenses that also includes $5,000.00 council fees I've incurred fighting this battle. I am fighting to get my name clear with the Department of Transportation also to get my job back.
My passion for aviation changed my life in a way that I could have never imagined. I traveled the world, met new people, and experienced other cultures. I was happy, able to purchase my dream home, and support my family.
Unfortunately, my livelihood and career came to a halt on April 19, 2019. I was terminated and banned from being a flight attendant with any airline simply because I changed my diet. This nightmare was my reality and the beginning of a series of catastrophic events.
PLEASE SHARE my story this could happen to anyone keto is not just a diet its a life saver.
Any support you can provide is more than appreciated!
Now, if you want the long(er) version, here it goes:
I showed up promptly, as usual, for a red-eye flight from Las Vegas, NV to Charlotte, NC. I conversed with my crew, engaged in pleasant conversation with passengers, accurately performed safety procedures and compliance checks, and completed beverage services.
Roughly four and half hours into an otherwise pleasant flight, chaos arose. I noticed an elderly woman who appeared sick and disoriented. I started to ask if she was ok when her eyes rolled back, and she passed out. I quickly stepped into action to attend to the medical emergency administering oxygen. I was ready to perform CPR while my crew members paged for medical personnel. Two doctors took over as we landed. Upon arrival, I met with the EMTs to thoroughly explain what happened and fill out paperwork when I was suddenly called for testing.
With the belief that this was a procedure following an in-flight medical emergency, I proceeded to complete a drug and alcohol test. My Blood Alcohol Test (BAC) reported 0.05.
I was confused when the test administer of American Airlines asked if I'd been drinking and stated that my report alluded that I'd been drinking on the aircraft during the flight. After the confirmation test 15 minutes later the test numbers changed drastically to 0.056. I was baffled because I had not drunk on the plane or within the 8 hours allotted company time frame. The Employee Assistant Program (EAP) director came to the scene and indicated that I did not appear inebriated or intoxicated. I was honestly confused, as my supervisors approached to confiscate company belongings. At this point i asked the companies BAC Administer for a blood test. I was told we don’t do that.
(TEXT FROM EAP TO UNION REP)
When I got home, I researched reasons for false positives on BAC testing and discovered a leading reason for a false positive is the Ketogenic diet; a diet I had started months before, a diet that I boasted and raved over. Somewhat relieved that there was an answer to this problem, I contacted the company union to let them know the mishap and to begin to rectify the situation. After explaining the occurrences to the union representative, I was told they were going to fight and then I was told to “give it up and go on with my life never being a flight attendant again.” I received this response from three different union representatives, and it was clear to me that my union was not going to fight for me. WHEN AT FIRST I FELT GOOD ABOUT THE REPS !
I called my doctors that were already aware of my diet and they confirmed that the levels of ketones in my body could affect my BAC. Both provided me with an official letter to address the company to clear up the mishap. I contacted the union only for them to inform me that there was nothing the union could do because “they have never had a case like this before.” I showed them paperwork that was not properly filled out, asked for calibration reports, and begged for some representation, but I didn’t receive any. My calls and emails went unanswered for days at a time sometime weeks. I knew I was innocent and hoped that the union would help. I was wrong.
After being forced to go to a SAP program eventually I got a call from the union about scheduling a first level hearing. I personally didn't want to do it for the fact it was like admitting to drinking. According to American per the union they wont see me until i complete it. The union didn’t address our prior conversations about calibration records or the mis marked paperwork in the meeting . It was as if they swept it under the rug. That was the fight I wanted.
Desperately trying to prove my innocence, I sought counsel. Once a letter was sent on my behalf from my attorney, the union responded with a $5,000 bill to proceed with arbitration. I was baffled. Thinking, why is the Union kicking me while I’m down? What did my dues cover? With my career on the line, I decided to inform my counsel that I was ready to fight this case. I have doctors and witnesses ready to testify on my behalf.
This wrongful termination has really taken a toll on my life and family structure. I have accrued thousands in financial debt and medical bills from when I hurt my shoulder on the job. I’ve taken early withdrawals from my 401k just to keep a roof over my head and have food on the table. I might even have to file bankruptcy soon.
My counsel is eager and ready to work with me and feels that “this will be a strong case.” He is a DUI and employment lawyer. He is also certified with the NC Board of Health and a former State trooper.
****I’m asking for your help with this battle. Policies and procedures must be updated, and the system needs to be more reliable. I'm fighting for myself and for others who may have had their life affected by their ketogenic levels. This includes AUTO-BREWERY SYNDROME , Acid reflex, diabetes, and other health conditions.I’ve already started to write Congress, the Department of Transportation, and the Drug Abatement Division. I’m committed to making a stand!
I’ll give you all updates along the way. I’m free to answer any questions as well.
Want to know more about about the Keto Diet click the link below
https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-ketogenic-diet
My name is André Riley. I became a flight attendant for USAirways I American Airlines in April of 2012. It was a life-changing career opportunity and an honor.
With the support from my friends and family, I've decided to start a GoFundMe to help with my arbitration and council expenses. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is requesting $5,000.00 for arbitration (council and filing fees not included) even after I’ve paid union dues for the last 8 years. I'm asking for any help in covering the $7,000 in direct and indirect expenses that also includes $5,000.00 council fees I've incurred fighting this battle. I am fighting to get my name clear with the Department of Transportation also to get my job back.
My passion for aviation changed my life in a way that I could have never imagined. I traveled the world, met new people, and experienced other cultures. I was happy, able to purchase my dream home, and support my family.
Unfortunately, my livelihood and career came to a halt on April 19, 2019. I was terminated and banned from being a flight attendant with any airline simply because I changed my diet. This nightmare was my reality and the beginning of a series of catastrophic events.
PLEASE SHARE my story this could happen to anyone keto is not just a diet its a life saver.
Any support you can provide is more than appreciated!
Now, if you want the long(er) version, here it goes:
I showed up promptly, as usual, for a red-eye flight from Las Vegas, NV to Charlotte, NC. I conversed with my crew, engaged in pleasant conversation with passengers, accurately performed safety procedures and compliance checks, and completed beverage services.
Roughly four and half hours into an otherwise pleasant flight, chaos arose. I noticed an elderly woman who appeared sick and disoriented. I started to ask if she was ok when her eyes rolled back, and she passed out. I quickly stepped into action to attend to the medical emergency administering oxygen. I was ready to perform CPR while my crew members paged for medical personnel. Two doctors took over as we landed. Upon arrival, I met with the EMTs to thoroughly explain what happened and fill out paperwork when I was suddenly called for testing.
With the belief that this was a procedure following an in-flight medical emergency, I proceeded to complete a drug and alcohol test. My Blood Alcohol Test (BAC) reported 0.05.
I was confused when the test administer of American Airlines asked if I'd been drinking and stated that my report alluded that I'd been drinking on the aircraft during the flight. After the confirmation test 15 minutes later the test numbers changed drastically to 0.056. I was baffled because I had not drunk on the plane or within the 8 hours allotted company time frame. The Employee Assistant Program (EAP) director came to the scene and indicated that I did not appear inebriated or intoxicated. I was honestly confused, as my supervisors approached to confiscate company belongings. At this point i asked the companies BAC Administer for a blood test. I was told we don’t do that.
(TEXT FROM EAP TO UNION REP)When I got home, I researched reasons for false positives on BAC testing and discovered a leading reason for a false positive is the Ketogenic diet; a diet I had started months before, a diet that I boasted and raved over. Somewhat relieved that there was an answer to this problem, I contacted the company union to let them know the mishap and to begin to rectify the situation. After explaining the occurrences to the union representative, I was told they were going to fight and then I was told to “give it up and go on with my life never being a flight attendant again.” I received this response from three different union representatives, and it was clear to me that my union was not going to fight for me. WHEN AT FIRST I FELT GOOD ABOUT THE REPS !
I called my doctors that were already aware of my diet and they confirmed that the levels of ketones in my body could affect my BAC. Both provided me with an official letter to address the company to clear up the mishap. I contacted the union only for them to inform me that there was nothing the union could do because “they have never had a case like this before.” I showed them paperwork that was not properly filled out, asked for calibration reports, and begged for some representation, but I didn’t receive any. My calls and emails went unanswered for days at a time sometime weeks. I knew I was innocent and hoped that the union would help. I was wrong.
After being forced to go to a SAP program eventually I got a call from the union about scheduling a first level hearing. I personally didn't want to do it for the fact it was like admitting to drinking. According to American per the union they wont see me until i complete it. The union didn’t address our prior conversations about calibration records or the mis marked paperwork in the meeting . It was as if they swept it under the rug. That was the fight I wanted.
Desperately trying to prove my innocence, I sought counsel. Once a letter was sent on my behalf from my attorney, the union responded with a $5,000 bill to proceed with arbitration. I was baffled. Thinking, why is the Union kicking me while I’m down? What did my dues cover? With my career on the line, I decided to inform my counsel that I was ready to fight this case. I have doctors and witnesses ready to testify on my behalf.
This wrongful termination has really taken a toll on my life and family structure. I have accrued thousands in financial debt and medical bills from when I hurt my shoulder on the job. I’ve taken early withdrawals from my 401k just to keep a roof over my head and have food on the table. I might even have to file bankruptcy soon.
My counsel is eager and ready to work with me and feels that “this will be a strong case.” He is a DUI and employment lawyer. He is also certified with the NC Board of Health and a former State trooper.
****I’m asking for your help with this battle. Policies and procedures must be updated, and the system needs to be more reliable. I'm fighting for myself and for others who may have had their life affected by their ketogenic levels. This includes AUTO-BREWERY SYNDROME , Acid reflex, diabetes, and other health conditions.I’ve already started to write Congress, the Department of Transportation, and the Drug Abatement Division. I’m committed to making a stand!
I’ll give you all updates along the way. I’m free to answer any questions as well.
Want to know more about about the Keto Diet click the link below
https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-ketogenic-diet
Organisator
Andre Riley
Organisator
Charlotte, NC
