A large airline introduced new uniforms to their flight staff last fall and a number of employees have reported that they are having health issues since the new uniforms have been introduced. Whether or not the materials in the uniforms are the cause of their health issues is the debate going on right now between American Airlines flight attendants and their employer and the manufacturer of the uniforms.

American Airlines employs around 25,000 flight attendants, and the union representing those employees, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, reports that 2,300 American employees have complained about health issues that they think were caused by the uniforms. An American Airlines spokesperson said that they have had reports from 450 employees regarding health issues and the uniforms, so there is some discrepancy between the two group’s numbers but the airline has said they encourage those experiencing issues to file a report. Attendants are complaining that they are experiencing rashes, headaches, burning and itchy skin and eye irritation and hives.

The manufacturer Twin Hill, who makes the uniforms, says that they are safe. They had the clothing tested for chemicals by TUB Rheinland who says there are no restricted chemicals in the clothes. The chemicals that are in the clothes are present in acceptable limits. American Airlines has also had the uniforms tested three times so far and has not found anything that explains the health issues their employees are experiencing.

Twin Hill made uniforms for Alaska Airlines several years ago which received complaints about reactions as well. Alaska Airlines ultimately provided new uniforms for employees with a different manufacturer. There was a suit filed on behalf of several Alaska Airlines attendants, but since they could not find enough evidence to prove that the uniforms caused their symptoms the suit was rejected.

A spokesman from the Allied Pilots Association, which American Airlines pilots are members of, said that their pilots have not reported issues to the extent that flight attendants have with their version of the new uniforms.

On December 21^st last year the union filed a grievance asking the airline to stop using the uniforms or to allow the flight attendants to wear their old uniforms, and the airline has said that employees can wear old uniforms or buy similar looking over-the-counter uniforms which will be reimbursed. The union also asked that sick time attendants may have taken be reimbursed. Union president Robert Ross wrote that attendants need to be able to work in a healthy environment, which requires safe uniforms.

The manufacturer has said they are working toward a solution; they are developing a cotton version and offer a non-wool alternative already. They have invited union representatives to tour the distribution warehouse and select garments to be sampled but the union has canceled on several scheduled visits.

It seems as if every party is hoping to resolve the issue so that flight attendants can enjoy a safe and healthy work environment.