AA’s Top Brass Attempt to Reassure Employees Over New Uniforms

More than 2,000 staff at American Airlines claim to have had an adverse reaction to the carrier’s new, wool-based outfits.

While staff at American Airlines (AA) have repeatedly expressed their worry over the safety of the airline’s new uniforms, the carrier’s bosses appear to be unmoved by employees’ concerns. In fact, it seems that some at AA are going the extra mile to reassure staff that the new look is no problem, with a handful of managers and executives conspicuously sporting the uniform to work themselves.

Earlier this year, these same wool-based outfits were the cause of well over 2,000 complaints from AA employees, who said that they were suffering headaches, coughing, wheezing and even hives as a result of the new uniforms.

Despite three separate previous tests, the Chicago Tribune has reported that no traces of hazardous chemicals have been found in the new outfits.

The carrier did not disclose a list of which of its executives have decided to wear the new uniform, but it has confirmed that Hector Adler, the vice president for flight services, has ordered one.

AA’s attempt to reassure its employees, however, may have backfired. Taylor Garland, a spokeswoman for the Association of Flight Attendants, commented on the move to the paper, saying, “It’s insulting. Instead of acknowledging legitimate concerns of their employees, American Airlines management is pulling a publicity stunt.”

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union representing AA’s cabin crew, has filed a formal grievance with the carrier. It says that the uniforms compromise the health of its members.

Robert Ross, the union’s president, was quoted by the paper as saying that, “Personal health is so integral and critical to our flight attendant workforce, who must be able to work in a healthy manner and environment. To do so, our members need proper and safe uniforms.”

The outfits are produced by Twin Hill, which also made uniforms for Alaska Airlines back in 2012. Employees at Alaska also raised similar concerns over health issues at the time.

AA has agreed that it will partner up with the union to conduct a fourth test on its new uniforms.

[Photo: American Airlines]