Pilots for American Airlines are finally jumping into the fray over the carrier's new uniforms.
This comes months after thousands of flight attendants voiced their concerns about having allergic reactions to the material, ranging from hives to respiratory issues. More than 100 American Airlines pilots have reported having the same reactions-to the point its pilots union plans an inquiry into the issue.
"We've had pilots that are beginning to report the same reactions as our flight attendants," Allied Pilots Association spokesman Dennis Tajer told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "We had about 100 reports but we're getting indications that there are more out there."
The garments' manufacturer, Twin Hill, says its testing has shown chemicals found in the clothing are below levels that would affect the wearer.
Yet, thousands of crew members have reported related problems after receiving their uniforms. American has distributed nearly 2 million pieces to some 80,000 workers, including flight attendants, gate agents, baggage handlers and, yes, pilots.
[READMORE]READ MORE: American CEO Doug Parker Admits He Has A Uniform Problem [/READMORE]
Longtime American flight attendant and best-selling author Heather Poole has been advocating changing the uniforms since she received hers last September.
American has declined to recall the Twin Hill uniforms, but did give the flight attendants options for polyester or cotton fabrics. Or, they could wear their former uniforms if it matched the scheme of the new uniforms.
"Whatever they find in their survey, we're happy to meet and discuss it with them," Ron Defeo, a spokesman for American Airlines Group Inc., told Bloomberg News.
"We've shown we're willing to work and find solutions. We'd do the same with pilots."
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