A United Airlines aircraft technician with Stage 4 cancer has filed a federal lawsuit alleging he was fired during a chemotherapy session for taking too much time off. Hasan Syed, a 737 controller based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, claims his termination violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, causing significant financial harm and emotional distress.
According to the complaint, Syed was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma in early 2025 after a CT scan revealed a nasal tumor. He informed his supervisor and continued working, using accrued sick and vacation leave to cover absences after chemotherapy. Despite requesting a temporary transfer to a less stressful role, management took no action.
In April 2025, while receiving chemotherapy, Syed received a call from his supervisor who said, 'I'm sorry, but I have to let you go – you're taking too much time off work.' The termination came just one week before Syed would have qualified for protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Syed's attorney, Chad Eisenback of Atlas Law Center, stated: '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.' A United Airlines spokesperson said the company had 'nothing to share' about the allegations.
Syed has also filed a separate lawsuit against Monsanto, alleging his cancer was caused by exposure to the herbicide Roundup, which he used for three decades.
