Delta's new uniforms are giving some flight attendants rashes
- Delta Air Lines' new uniforms are causing discomfort and beginning to fall apart for some employees, Chicago Business Journal first reported.
- The most common problem has come from an apron strap that irritated the necks of some flight attendants.
- The airline is working on a new version of the strap and has allowed employees to not use the apron or tie it around their waists.
Delta Air Lines' new uniforms are causing discomfort and beginning to fall apart for some employees, Chicago Business Journal first reported.
A Delta Air Lines representative confirmed to Business Insider that a handful of employees have reported complaints and said the airline is working to address them.
The most common problem has come from an apron strap that irritated the necks of some flight attendants. A Delta representative said around 15-20 employees reported chafing from the strap in the first two days after the uniforms were introduced.
After receiving feedback from employees during a three-month testing process, Delta developed three iterations of the apron strap, the third of which was used in the uniforms that were introduced to all uniformed employees. The airline is working on a new version of the strap and has allowed employees to not use the apron or tie it around their waists.
The Delta representative said 25 employees have reported other problems with the uniforms, including loose buttons, discomfort due to uniform materials, and chafing due to incorrect sizing. Delta employees have multiple options to have buttons replaced, as well as 100% cotton and non-wool alternatives for their uniforms, the representative said.
The airline debuted the uniforms, which were designed by Zac Posen and made by Lands' End, in late May. The uniforms are worn by 64,000 employees.
Last year, American Airlines employees reported over 3,500 cases of adverse reactions - including rashes, nausea, headaches, and extreme respiratory distress - after new uniforms were introduced, according to the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. American Airlines said it would replace the uniforms, made by Twin Hill, with new uniforms made by Lands' End, which the airline plans to introduce in late 2019.