American Airlines CEO Doug Parker admitted the furore over new flight crew uniforms is ‘a huge problem.’
The airline has repeatedly tried to play down the problem since late last year when employees started reporting serious allergic reactions to the uniform.
Symptoms including hives, headaches, blisters and swelling have been reported.
The Chicago Business Journal obtained video footage of Parker talking candidly about the issue to an audience of airline employees.
He told them it is ‘as difficult an issue as we’ve ever had to deal with.’
From the outset the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) demanded a recall of all uniforms but the airline refused.
The union also called for all related medical expenses to be reimbursed and sick leave granted for all affected flight crew which reportedly numbers several thousand.
Parker reiterated the official stance, saying a recall ‘can’t be the answer. We’ll keep working through it so we’ve got to figure out how to address it.’
Garment manufacturer Twin Hill said in January the wool-blend uniforms are not harmful.
