Several more Delta Air Lines employees are filing suit against Lands' End Outfitters, alleging the airline’s much-publicized new uniforms are causing them to get sick.
The class-action lawsuit was filed in the Western District of Wisconsin Court. Lands’ End, headquartered in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is the new uniforms’ manufacturer.
The lawsuit alleges several Delta employees suffered severe respiratory illnesses, rashes, boils, hives, blisters, sinus problems, headaches and fatigue. The plaintiffs worked in several capacities at Delta, including flight attendants, ramp and gate agents, and Sky Club workers.
Read the lawsuit below:
Thursday's announced lawsuit follows a similar one filed in May 2019 by two Delta flight attendants, who also claimed wearing the uniforms caused skin rashes, headaches, fatigue and other issues.
»READ: Delta flight attendants sue, alleging 'Passport Plum' uniforms cause rashes
The May lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York.
“Our top priority continues to be the safety of our employees, which is why we invested in a rigorous toxicology study to determine if there was a universal scientific issue with the uniform,” the Atlanta-based airline said Thursday. “The results of the study confirm our uniforms meet the highest textile standards - OEKO-TEX - with the exception of the optional flight attendant apron, which we removed from the collection.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported issues with the new purple Delta uniforms, including skin sensitivity, shortly after the uniforms debuted.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conducted a health hazard evaluation of symptoms among Delta employees due to the uniforms, in response to an employee request.
Credit: undefined
Credit: undefined
The study concluded textile chemicals in the uniforms or irritation from fabric may have caused the skin symptoms.
In December, the Association of Flight Attendants union also said it would test the uniforms.
»MORE: Flight attendants union to test Delta uniforms after allegations of skin rashes
Lands' End was contracted to provide new Delta uniforms in 2016. The garments are high stretch, wrinkle- and stain-resistant, waterproof, anti-static and deodorizing. The plaintiffs claim chemical additives and finishes used to achieve those characteristics are causing allergic reactions.
Besides asking for damages for personal injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional, financial and economic loss and distress, the Wisconsin lawsuit’s plaintiffs also want Lands’ End to recall the uniforms.
The uniforms included several garments, including dresses, skirts, shirts, blouses, sweaters, jackets and pants. The uniforms launched May 29, 2018, and are worn by about 64,000 Delta employees.
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