Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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United Press International - Monday, December 7, 1998
John Mace, 42, says new drugs have enabled his health to improve to the point that the virus that causes AIDS can no longer be detected in his blood.
Mace worked for the airline for 10 years as a flight attendant and trainer of new flight attendants.
He was diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1991 and resigned three years later when his health began to deteriorate.
But by taking an "HIV cocktail" of various drugs, including protease inhibitors, Mace's condition has improved to the point where he says he can return to work.
When he tried to regain his position of seniority, however, the airline told Mace that its policy is to rehire former employees at the entry level.
An Alaska Airlines spokesman told KIRO-TV News, in Seattle, "In fairness to all of our employees, many of whom leave the company for variety of reasons and want to come back, it was impossible to bring back John at the same level he left."
"It's a simple matter of fairness to all," said the airline. "And John didn't see it that way."
Mace's attorney, Lori Haskell, argues that federal disability laws require the airline to rehire him at his former level.
The trial got under way in U.S. District Court, Seattle, today.
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