(SitNews) Washington, D. C. - The Association of Flight Attendants Union is demanding the recall of uniforms issued by Alaska Airlines to its flight attendants and has filed a grievance alleging that Alaska Airline's management has failed to provide a safe and healthy work place.

More than 400 Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have reported significant health issues while or after wearing uniforms issued by Alaska Airlines management. Most reports describe skin symptoms – rash, hives, redness, or itching – while a growing number indicate abnormal thyroid functions, hair loss, eye irritation/inflammation, fatigue, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, and asthma.

Shortly after Alaska Airlines management issued new uniforms to their nearly 3,000 Flight Attendants in 2011, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) said they began receiving reports regarding health issues of crewmembers while on duty. According to a November 2012 news release, AFA said they quickly suspected that the uniforms were responsible and began extensive testing. Results from scientific analysis on the uniforms indicated that several pieces of the uniforms contained detectable levels of an allergenic dye.

"For the safety and health of Alaska Flight Attendants, we are demanding that management work with us to immediately recall these hazardous uniforms and issue new pieces that are safe alternatives and not harmful to crewmembers and our families," said Jeffrey Peterson, AFA Alaska President.

Peterson said, "Because management is unwilling to recall the uniform at this time, the union has filed a contractual grievance alleging management's failure to provide a safe and healthy work place. We will continue to press management to do the right thing, but AFA will put this dispute before a neutral arbitrator if necessary."

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News: 

Association of Flight Attendants
www.afacwa.org

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