Flight attendants reported toxic fumes on aircraft. American Airlines retaliated, OSHA says
American Airlines retaliated against flight attendants who reported worker illnesses caused by toxic fumes in aircraft cabins, according to an investigation by federal safety and health investigators.
A whistleblower investigation began on Aug. 2 by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to a press release from OSHA. The investigation found Fort Worth-based American Airlines Inc. retaliated against employees who filed complaints about the illnesses with the company and the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight attendants said the airline docked attendant points and discouraged them from reporting work-related injuries and illnesses, according to the press release.
“Federal law protects workers’ rights to voice workplace safety and health concerns without the fear of retaliation,” said OSHA Area Director Timothy Minor in the press release. “When employers punish employees for doing so, they create a chilling effect that may stop workers from reporting future issues, putting their health and well-being, and that of co-workers, at risk.”
Minor, who is based in Fort Worth, said the investigation found flight attendants engaged in protected activities when they reported illnesses due to jet fuel fumes seeping into the aircraft cabin.
“Workers must feel empowered to inform managers and others about potential hazards that jeopardize workers’ safety and health,” he said in the press release.
The press release did not provide details on whether passengers would have been impacted by the fumes. In October, passengers reported fumes filled the cabin on an American Airlines flight from Miami to Barbados, according to the Associated Press.
OSHA proposed $6,837 in penalties following its investigation.
American Airlines officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
This story was originally published January 4, 2023 at 4:26 PM.
