A United Airlines aircraft technician undergoing treatment for Stage 4 cancer was allegedly fired by his supervisor during a chemotherapy session, according to a federal lawsuit filed in Chicago. The case, which accuses the airline of violating disability discrimination laws, centres on 737 mechanic Hasan Syed, who was dismissed just days before qualifying for crucial job-protected medical leave.
Diagnosis and Dedication Amid Treatment
Hasan Syed was hired by United Airlines in April 2024 as a 737 controller, responsible for troubleshooting issues with aircraft mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems. His performance was described as meeting or exceeding expectations. In December 2024, he began experiencing serious health issues, leading to a diagnosis of Stage 4 lymphoma in early 2025 after a CT scan and biopsy revealed a tumour.
Syed immediately informed his supervisor and was told to focus on getting better. Despite the gruelling nature of his treatment, he continued to work his 12-hour shifts on a four-days-on, five-days-off schedule. He used accrued sick leave and vacation time to take a day or two off to recover after each chemotherapy session, which began in February 2025.
"Mr. Syed’s case is about a worker who did everything he could to keep working while fighting a serious medical condition – and was terminated instead of supported," his attorney, Chad Eisenback of the Atlas Law Center, told The Independent.
The Termination Call and Legal Violations
The situation came to a head in April 2025. According to the legal complaint, Syed received a phone call from his supervisor while he was in the middle of a chemotherapy session. During that call, the supervisor stated, "I’m sorry, but I have to let you go – you’re taking too much time off work."
Critically, this termination occurred just seven days before Syed’s one-year work anniversary. Had he reached that milestone, he would have been eligible for protections under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides job security for medical absences. Furthermore, his union was unable to contest the firing because he had not yet attained seniority status.
The lawsuit contends that United’s actions violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alleging Syed was fired because of his disability, his need for treatment, and his anticipated use of protected leave. The complaint states the firing caused him "significant financial harm, emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of dignity during an extremely vulnerable period of his life."
Broader Context and Seeking Justice
In a positive health update, a discrimination charge filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights notes that Syed’s treatment has been successful, with a recent PET scan showing his cancer is in remission. He received a right-to-sue letter from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on 29 December 2025.
This lawsuit is not an isolated incident for United Airlines. It follows other recent employee legal actions, including:
- A ramp agent in New Jersey who sued over alleged sexual harassment and a retaliatory work assignment.
- A senior pilot who claimed he was wrongly forced into rehab after a head injury.
- An employee alleging he was fired for reporting a racially charged incident involving a noose.
Syed is seeking various damages, including back pay, front pay, and compensation for emotional distress. His attorney emphasised the broader principle at stake: "No one should have to choose between their health and their livelihood, and we will continue to hold employers accountable when they do."
A United Airlines spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the day the lawsuit was reported. The case continues to develop in federal court.
