American Airlines gave more than 70,000 of its frontline workers new uniforms in September, and while the look of the uniforms was great, it made more than 1,000 workers sick.
There were complaints about the uniforms such as itching, rashes, hives and headaches the first few weeks the uniforms were distributed. An investigation was launched thinking it was some sort of wool allergy.
Although attendants have said the problem has become widespread including some who actually like the look of the uniforms and were becoming used to them.
Late Wednesday in a memo, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) said: “we have received over 1,600 flight attendant reports of suspected uniform reactions that include headaches, rashes, hives, burning skin and eye irritation, itching, and respiratory problems — to name a few.”
The reports have grown and have become a huge problem for many attendants the spokesperson for American Airlines Ron DeFeo told the Daily Morning News that they had already done three rounds of a test.
“The growing number of reports of suspected reactions, triggered by both direct and indirect contact with the uniform, has prompted APFA to ask that all uniforms be recalled until further joint testing with the company can be completed,” the union said.
Another round of test will be held with the union but many attendants are still really concerned saying,
“A remedy that excludes a full recall of the uniform fails to adequately protect our members.”
There are still plans to get the problem resolved and everything back in order so everyone is happy.
“To that end, APFA will continue to explore all legal options and consult with additional experts in the field to better understand the results of our ongoing independent testing as well as joint testing moving forward,” the union added in its memo.
