A pilot states that the FAR's require a pilot not work if ill. His air carrier's doctor sick note requirement is harassment and forcing pilots to fly sick.

Narrative

After returning home from my trip; I received the following email from my company: 'First Officer manpower is very tight due to a dramatic increase in sick leave. This makes everyone's job more difficult; particularly during a full summer flying schedule. This shortage is negatively impacting our flight operations; customers and fellow pilots. As your System Chief Pilot; I would never ask you to report for a trip when you aren't healthy enough to fly. However; current circumstances require that we take immediate action to address the sudden spike in sick leave in these seats. Pursuant to Section X of the Pilots' Agreement; effective immediately and until further notice; all First Officers will be required to provide a doctor's certificate before sick leave will be paid. I feel this is a blatant attempt at pilot pushing. The company knows that they may intimidate a few pilots into flying while sick in order to cover their poor pilot manning models. Behavior like this was supposedly eradicated decades ago in the interest of safety. My company is clearly trying to intimidate its pilots into flying when the FARs prohibit flying while unfit and make the pilot the responsible party for determining their own fitness.