Most of the time, new uniforms are a good thing. It’s a chance to reinvent your brand, boost employee morale and, hopefully, provide more comfortable fabrications. However, that’s not the case for American Airlines’ new uniforms, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Imagine this: Your company invests in new uniforms for 80,000 employees. And then, a handful of flight attendants report cases of hives and headaches. Mind you, this was the first time in 30 years the company decided to roll out new uniforms.
While American Airlines claimed only 14 employees complained, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) said at least 600 employees complained.
Rob Ross, the president of the union, told The Los Angeles Times that the fibers used in the uniforms are “potentially toxic.” American Airlines, however, believes the reactions are a direct result of wool allergies. But, according to Fortune, flight attendants wearing the cotton version of the uniforms also experienced these symptoms.
A spokesperson from American Airlines said the company currently is working to correct the problem.
“The number one priority for all of us as we developed our new uniforms was to ensure that our new uniforms not only meet—but exceed—safety and comfort levels,” an American Airlines spokesperson told Fortune. “Over the last three years, we have done extensive fabric, fit and wear tests to ensure we got things right. We are working in collaboration with our employees and the APFA to address individual concerns. We offer a uniform collection for individuals who have sensitivities or allergies to our wool-rich uniform collection.”
