Flight Attendants Claim Uniforms Made Them Seriously Ill, Win California Jury Verdict

The jury ruled that the clothing company should pay more over $1 million in damages to four flight attendants.

A jury in California has reached a verdict in a case involving American Airlines flight attendants and a clothing company. The jury ruled that the clothing company should pay more over $1 million in damages to four flight attendants who blamed the chemicals used in the production of their uniforms for causing various health issues including rashes, headaches, and breathing problems. This recent verdict may just be the beginning, as legal representatives reported that they are currently handling cases for over 400 other flight attendants who are making identical allegations against the uniform manufacturer, AP reported.

While the judge has not yet officially endorsed the jury's decision, however, an attorney for the flight attendants has characterised this as a technicality. The uniform maker's legal team has not yet disclosed whether they plan to appeal the verdict.

In 2016, American Airlines introduced fresh uniforms for its flight attendants, bringing a wave of excitement to those who had been wearing the same attire for a decade. However, soon after, a stream of complaints began to emerge.

“I would wake up and my eyes would be completely swollen. I looked like I had been in a boxing match,” says Tracey Silver-Charan. “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.”

According to AP, the flight attendants' lawsuit claimed that their uniforms contained traces of formaldehyde, toluene and other toxic chemicals linked to health problems. Resins containing formaldehyde have been used in fabric for years to keep clothes wrinkle-free and make them last longer.

American gave flight attendants the option of wearing their old uniforms, or even picking out an outfit at Macy’s or JCPenney, said Silver-Charan, a Los Angeles-based flight attendant who has been in the field for 37 years.

Silver-Charan is part of a group of flight attendants who sued in 2017, and she was among four involved in the trial in Alameda County Superior Court near San Francisco to see how a jury would view the case.

“It’s been a long road, but we’re very happy with the outcome,” said Daniel Balaban, one of the lawyers for the airline employees. “We couldn’t represent better clients — who doesn’t love a flight attendant?”

Balaban said that other cases could go to trial if Twin Hill declines to settle them.

Twin Hill could request the judge to reduce the jury's award and may also choose to appeal the verdict. American Airlines eventually ended their contract with Twin Hill and contracted with Land's End for their uniforms. This case highlights the potential risks associated with chemicals used in uniform production and raises questions about the responsibility of clothing companies to ensure the safety of their products.