Employer sick-note rules
Does AT&T accept an online doctor’s note?
AT&T's Southeast attendance guideline (2017) tells supervisors not to require a doctor's note for every sick day, but says a physician's certificate may be required in appropriate circumstances. Absences longer than seven calendar days go to AT&T's disability center as a disability claim. Rules for union-represented workers depend on the regional CWA contract.
What AT&T workers are told
Note needed?
At the supervisor's discretion in appropriate circumstances under the Southeast guideline, not for every sick day.
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Absences expected to run past seven calendar days are reported to the AT&T Integrated Disability Service Center for a disability claim.
How absences count
Southeast (2017 guideline): no fixed point count; the guideline says no rigid standard defines excessive absence, and discipline follows a four-step procedure (counseling, warning, suspension, discharge) after an informal discussion.
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AT&T Mobility retail (2015): the CWA said workers out sick more than 8 days in a rolling year were fired; AT&T said the policy covers only unexcused absences.
Where to send it
Report illness to your supervisor.
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If the absence will run past seven calendar days, report a disability claim to the AT&T Integrated Disability Service Center (2017 guideline).
Who handles leave
AT&T Integrated Disability Service Center (IDSC), per the 2017 guideline
Sick pay
Set by each CWA working agreement; not published.
From published reporting on the policy · 2026-10-12
Sources
The rules that sit above AT&T’s policy
Federal leave law lets an employer ask for medical certification and gives you at least 15 days to return it; disability law limits medical inquiries to what the job requires; twenty states and D.C. limit when any employer, AT&T included, may demand a note; and federal guidance treats a licensed physician’s online evaluation as telehealth. The statutes and sources are on the state-by-state doctor’s note law index and in are online doctor’s notes legal?
Other call center employers
Verizon
Every employer’s sick-note rule, in one list
SickSlip is not affiliated with AT&T. Employer names are used to describe their published policies. Reviewed by Adam Z. Kawalek, MD (NPI 1326223306). Facts checked 2026-10-12.