blue flu

American  

noun

1. absenteeism among police officers or firefighters who claim to be ill but are in fact absent to support union contract demands or negotiations: so called from the officers' blue uniforms.

---

Etymology

Origin of blue flu

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Smith, who is Latino, had accused the officers of participating in a “blue flu” protest — calling out sick en masse — and using excessive force against protesters.

From Los Angeles Times

But there was also another reason for the lack of police presence: In the days following Howard’s decision to indict, 171 Atlanta police officers out of a force of 2,000 called in sick, in what local news outlets began calling a “blue flu.”

From New York Times

Then came the "Blue Flu" — when a high number of police officers called out sick in protest.

From Fox News

Then came the “Blue Flu” - when a high number of police officers called out sick in protest.

From Washington Times

Then came the “Blue Flu” — when a high number of police officers called out sick in protest.

From Seattle Times