Delta Air Lines employees have won the fight to get the airline to redesign its ‘toxic’ uniforms.
Since the uniforms were launched in 2018, workers complained about a variety of health problems.
Flight attendants and other workers sued maker Lands End last year alleging issues such as skin blisters, rashes, blurred vision and migraine.
The airline conducted tests on the material and deemed them safe but separate tests organized by workers themselves found ‘chemicals and heavy metals far in excess of industry accepted safe levels for garments.’
The airline still maintains the uniforms are safe but is ‘going back to the drawing board’ with a new design.
"The uniform was certified to be safe. That said, there were people who were having reactions to them," said Delta spokesman Anthony Black.
"We have not been able to resolve this situation for everyone, which has been our top priority all along. That’s why we are announcing a completely new uniform program," Delta said in a memo to workers.
It will cost the airlines ‘millions’ it said.
It expects to have a new permanent uniform ready by mid-2021.
Most of the complaints were from flight attendants so only these will be changed.
Uniforms made by Lands End for ground workers will stay.
Delta pilots wear uniforms supplied by another company and have not experienced any health issues.
