Flight attendants demand full recall of new uniforms in US

Washington: American Airlines flight attendants union in the US have demanded a total recall of their new uniforms claiming that the outfits have made more than 1,000 workers sick, according to media reports.

The airlines had rolled out new uniforms to more than 70,000 of its frontline workers in September as part of an uniform overhaul for the airline, which merged with US Airways in 2013. The appearance of the uniforms was well-received, but now the flight attendants union is calling for a total recall.

Complaints about itching, rashes, headaches and hives surfaced within the first few weeks of the uniform roll-out, the US Daily reported.

American launched an investigation, initially saying that it thought the issues were isolated possibly some sort of wool allergy.

But the airline's flight attendants say the problem has become widespread, "including (for) many who are quite pleased with the look of the uniform."

In a memo to its members, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) said "we have received over 1,600 flight attendant reports of suspected uniform reactions that include headaches, rashes, hives, burning skin and eye irritation, itching, and respiratory problems to name a few".

"The growing number of reports of suspected reactions, triggered by both direct and indirect contact with the uniform, has prompted APFA to ask that all uniforms be recalled until further joint testing with the company can be completed," the union said.

American Airlines spokesman Ron DeFeo said the carrier has already done three rounds of testing but that so far all results have been "in line with normal standards".

DeFeo added that the airline has permitted about 200 attendants to continue wearing their old uniforms. It also has ordered 600 non-wool versions of the new uniforms in the hope of alleviating some of the reactions.

"We know some people are having reactions and we're looking into why," DeFeo said, adding it was not yet ready to issue a recall. We have no doubt the uniforms are safe".

Another round of testing is planned in conjunction with the union. However, the attendants group says at this point, "a remedy that excludes a full recall of the uniform fails to adequately protect our members".

"To that end, APFA will continue to explore all legal options and consult with additional experts in the field to better understand the results of our ongoing independent testing as well as joint testing moving forward," the union added in its memo.