choster
Jan 5, 09, 10:04 pm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/05/AR2009010502146.html
New TSA Uniforms Trigger a Rash of Complaints
By Steve Vogel, Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, January 5, 2009; 5:44 PM
The new blue uniforms issued to Transportation Security Administration officers at hundreds of airports nationwide may have a snazzy look, but they have become a major irritant for some of those employees. The new uniforms are causing rashes and other irritations among transportation security officers who screen passengers at airports, according to the union representing the workers.
... The [American Federation of Government Employees] union blames formaldehyde, which is a chemical byproduct of the permanent-press finish applied by clothing manufacturers to prevent mildew and stains. ... In response to the complaints, the manufacturer, VF Solutions of Nashville, used an independent laboratory to test shirts worn by complaining officers as well as previously unworn uniforms. "Each and every uniform tested was found to be well under acceptable limits for a number of substances known to cause irritation, including formaldehyde," the TSA said in a statement.
... The new uniforms began being distributed early last year and were in use nationwide at 450 airports by 50,000 officers by September, according to [TSA spokesman Christopher] White. ... White said the new uniforms were designed with input from TSA employees and are intended to present a more professional look, as well as provide better wear than the old ones.... Unlike the old uniforms, White added, the new ones come with "a real gold badge."
New TSA Uniforms Trigger a Rash of Complaints
By Steve Vogel, Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, January 5, 2009; 5:44 PM
The new blue uniforms issued to Transportation Security Administration officers at hundreds of airports nationwide may have a snazzy look, but they have become a major irritant for some of those employees. The new uniforms are causing rashes and other irritations among transportation security officers who screen passengers at airports, according to the union representing the workers.
... The [American Federation of Government Employees] union blames formaldehyde, which is a chemical byproduct of the permanent-press finish applied by clothing manufacturers to prevent mildew and stains. ... In response to the complaints, the manufacturer, VF Solutions of Nashville, used an independent laboratory to test shirts worn by complaining officers as well as previously unworn uniforms. "Each and every uniform tested was found to be well under acceptable limits for a number of substances known to cause irritation, including formaldehyde," the TSA said in a statement.
... The new uniforms began being distributed early last year and were in use nationwide at 450 airports by 50,000 officers by September, according to [TSA spokesman Christopher] White. ... White said the new uniforms were designed with input from TSA employees and are intended to present a more professional look, as well as provide better wear than the old ones.... Unlike the old uniforms, White added, the new ones come with "a real gold badge."