Revised: Investigation Finds American Airlines Retaliated Against Flight Attendants Who Reported Worker Illnesses Caused by Fumes in Aircraft Cabins

Excerpt:  “Federal safety and health investigators have determined that one of the nation’s largest airlines retaliated against flight attendants who reported worker illnesses caused by toxic fumes entering aircraft cabins. A whistleblower investigation initiated on Aug. 2, 2022, by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found American Airlines Inc. retaliated against employees who filed complaints about the illnesses with the company. Flight attendants alleged the airline docked attendance points and discouraged them from reporting work-related injuries and illnesses. OSHA proposed $6,837 in penalties following its investigation. ‘Federal law protects workers’ rights to voice workplace safety and health concerns without the fear of retaliation,’ said OSHA Area Director Timothy Minor in Fort Worth, Texas. ‘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.'”