More than 50,000 American staff donning new uniforms on Monday were for the first time given a choice of fabrics in what its manufacturer labeled a “first-of-its-kind uniform collection”.
The uniforms are the result of a three-year collaboration in which each of the 1.7 million prices of clothing were certified free of hazardous chemicals and staff were for the first time given a choice of wool-blend or synthetic fabrics.
The airline worked with manufacturers Land’s End unions and staff members on the replacement for a previous collection that prompted 1600 health complaints by workers.
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“When we set out to create our new uniform collection, the clear goal was to deliver an industry-leading program with the highest levels of safety, input and choice,” said American managing director of flight service base operations Brady Byrnes, American’s Managing Director of Flight Service Base Operations.
“Today’s launch is the culmination of years’ worth of input from team members, wear testing in the operation and the highest levels of garment certification.”
The uniforms come in a new color, aviation blue, and have received STANDARD 100 and OEKO-TEX certification.
The STANDARD 100 certification is an independent testing and certification system for any product made with fabric and all parts of the garment — including sewing threads, buttons and zippers —, are for hazardous chemicals.
A frontline advisory team made key decisions such as fabric, color and design and the garments were field-tested by 1000 frontline staffers before going into production.
All staffers were able to select the fabric that made them most comfortable.
“None of this would be possible without the partnership of our union representatives, and, most importantly, the thousands of team members who provided input and feedback along the way,’’ Byrnes said.
“This isn’t just a uniform for our team members, it’s one that was created by them, and we are excited to turn the page.”
