Union demands recall of uniforms and files grievance alleging management's failure to provide a safe and healthy work place
WASHINGTON – 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 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 the nearly 3,000 Flight Attendants in 2011, AFA began receiving reports regarding health issues of crewmembers while on duty. AFA 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. “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.”
Alaska Airlines introduced its first 737-900ER last week, which carries more passengers, flies farther and is the most fuel-efficient aircraft the carrier operates. Passengers traveling on Alaska’s new 737-900ER will enjoy more comfortable seating and Boeing’s Sky Interior, which features larger sculpted overhead bins and mood lighting designed to provide a more spacious cabin experience. Alaska Airlines flew its first 737-900ER between Seattle and San Diego and is scheduled to take delivery of 38 of the aircraft through 2017.
Among the most significant features of Alaska’s newest airplane is the innovative, custom-designed seat that provides passengers with more space, a six-way adjustable headrest and the carrier’s standard three inches of recline in the main cabin. Made by Recaro Aircraft Seating, the seat includes a comfortable yet slimmer seatback and bottom and a literature pocket located above the tray table.
Alaska’s first class cabin on its 737-900ER features a different premium Recaro seat with five inches of recline, an articulating seat bottom and a six-way adjustable headrest.
Configured with 165 seats in the main cabin and 16 seats in first class, Alaska’s new 737-900ERs will fly transcontinental routes between the west and east coasts and to the Hawaiian Islands.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
