Flight attendants win lawsuit against clothing company over health issues caused by uniforms.
American Airlines Flight Attendants Awarded Over $1 Million in Lawsuit Against Uniform Maker
A recent jury ruling in California has resulted in a clothing company being ordered to pay more than $1 million to four American Airlines flight attendants. These flight attendants claimed that chemicals used in the production of their uniforms caused various health issues, including rashes, headaches, and breathing problems.
This verdict, however, may just be the beginning, as lawyers representing over 400 other flight attendants with similar claims against the uniform maker are waiting in the wings.
While the judge has yet to officially affirm the jury’s decision, a lawyer for the flight attendants dismisses this as a mere technicality. As for the uniform maker’s lawyers, they have remained tight-lipped about the possibility of an appeal.
In 2016, American Airlines provided flight attendants with new uniforms, a welcome change after a decade of wearing the same outfit. However, complaints quickly arose.
Tracey Silver-Charan, a Los Angeles-based flight attendant with 37 years of experience, described her ordeal, saying, “I would wake up and my eyes would be completely swollen. I looked like I had been in a boxing match. I was unable to breathe. I often felt like I was going to pass out on the job. I was coming home and my husband was running me to the urgent care.”
American Airlines did offer flight attendants the option to continue wearing their old uniforms or choose outfits from Macy’s or JCPenney. However, for Ms. Silver-Charan and others, the damage had already been done.
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Ms. Silver-Charan was part of a group of flight attendants who filed a lawsuit in 2017. She was among the four chosen for the bellwether trial in Alameda County Superior Court, which aimed to gauge how a jury would perceive the case.
The jury ultimately determined that the uniforms provided by Twin Hill Acquisition Co. were a ”substantial factor in causing harm” to the flight attendants. However, they did not find the company negligent in the design of the garments or in failing to recall them when complaints arose.
Daniel Balaban, one of the lawyers representing the airline employees, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “It’s been a long road, but we’re very happy with the outcome. We couldn’t represent better clients—who doesn’t love a flight attendant?”
If Twin Hill declines to settle the remaining cases, they could potentially go to trial. The company has the option to request a reduction in the jury’s award and may also choose to appeal the verdict. However, their lawyer, Robert V. Good Jr., declined to comment on the matter.
American Airlines eventually terminated their contract with Twin Hill and enlisted Land’s End as their new uniform provider.
In their lawsuit, the flight attendants alleged that their uniforms contained traces of formaldehyde, toluene, and other toxic chemicals known to cause health problems. Formaldehyde has long been used in fabric to prevent wrinkles and prolong the lifespan of clothes.
A congressional study conducted in 2010 found that formaldehyde levels in clothing are generally low, but some individuals experience allergic reactions such as rashes, blisters, and itchy or burning skin. While washing clothes before wearing them can help, it is not always effective.
The flight attendants’ legal team presented witnesses who referenced a 2018 study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health. This study revealed a connection between new uniforms and health complaints among Alaska Airlines attendants.
Twin Hill’s defense lawyers called upon expert witnesses who downplayed the potential health effects of the uniforms. Interestingly, Ms. Silver-Charan noted that none of these defense experts ever spoke to her or requested to test her uniform for chemicals.
The jury proposed compensation of $320,000 for lost income and pain and suffering for Ms. Silver-Charan, and $750,000 in damages for Brenda Sabbatino—the two attendants selected by their lawyers. The other two attendants, who reported less severe health effects, were awarded $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.
By David Koenig
Besides Twin Hill Acquisition Co., which other uniform makers have faced similar allegations from flight attendants regarding health problems related to their uniforms?
Resent every single flight attendant, but we’re glad the jury recognized the harm caused by these uniforms.”
The jury’s decision hinges on a California law that requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. The flight attendants claimed that the chemicals used in the production of the uniforms violated this law, resulting in their health issues.
While this ruling sets a precedent for future cases against Twin Hill Acquisition Co., the company is not the only uniform maker facing such allegations. Flight attendants from other airlines, including Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines, have also complained about health problems related to their uniforms.
Flight attendant uniforms are subject to rigorous testing and must meet specific safety standards before they can be worn. However, it is not uncommon for issues to arise after the garments are in use. Chemical sensitivities, allergic reactions, and discomfort from ill-fitting garments are some of the problems reported by flight attendants.
As the lawsuit moves forward and more flight attendants come forward with similar claims, it is clear that a thorough examination of the uniforms’ production process and materials is necessary. The focus should be on finding solutions that prioritize the health and well-being of airline employees.
American Airlines has already taken steps to address the issue by providing alternative uniform options. However, it is essential for airlines and uniform makers to be proactive in identifying potential health risks and ensuring the safety of their employees.
Additionally, the outcome of this lawsuit serves as a reminder that companies must be held accountable for the products they produce and the potential harm they may cause. It is the responsibility of uniform makers to prioritize the health and safety of the individuals who wear their products.
The jury’s decision to award over $1 million to the flight attendants highlights the seriousness of the issue and sends a message to other uniform makers about the importance of product safety. As the lawsuit against Twin Hill Acquisition Co. progresses and potentially expands, it will be interesting to see how the industry responds and if further changes are made to protect the well-being of airline employees.
The health and safety of flight attendants should always be a top priority, and it is crucial that companies take necessary steps to ensure that their uniforms do not pose any risks to the individuals wearing them. Through holding companies accountable and demanding safer working conditions, flight attendants can continue to perform their duties while maintaining their health and well-being.
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