After American Airlines introduced new uniforms for pilots and flight attendants last fall, the airline began receiving numerous complaints. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) recorded over 3,500 reports from employees who suspected they had allergic reactions to the materials used in the uniforms.
In response, American Airlines has taken measures to address the problem and is distributing replacement uniforms that are intended to resolve the reported issues.
Bob Ross, president of the APFA, released a statement about the airline’s decision: “APFA took action as soon as we began receiving these reports, raising this issue with top management and arranging for independent testing to address flight attendant concerns.
“We’re pleased that American Airlines has announced today that it will begin the process of ordering and delivering new uniforms for flight attendants and other American employees. This isn’t the first time — and it won’t be the last time — that effective and determined advocacy by APFA members has led to improvements in working conditions for all of our members. Management at American is taking a positive step by stating that front-line flight attendants and our union will play a key role as the process for delivering new uniforms goes forward. We’ll continue to aggressively monitor this issue, as well as any other matter that affects the health and well being of our members.”