A federal investigation claims American Airlines retaliated against flight attendants who reported worker illnesses caused by fuel fumes in aircraft cabins.
A statement from the US Department of Labor says an OSHA whistleblower investigation was opened in 2022. The finding is that American Airlines "retaliated against employees who filed complaints about the illnesses with the company."
Flight attendants accused the airline of docking them attendance points and discouraged them from reporting work-related injuries and illnesses.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, to request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or to contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
“Our investigation found that the flight attendants engaged in protected activities when they reported illnesses related to jet fuel fumes seeping into the aircraft cabin,” said OSHA Area Director Timothy Minor in Fort Worth, Texas. “Workers must feel empowered to inform managers and others about potential hazards that jeopardize workers’ safety and health.”
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