Delta Workers Just Sued Lands' End

Hundreds of Delta Air Lines employees have filed a pair of class-action lawsuits against Wisconsin-based clothing manufacturer Lands' End, claiming that uniforms they are required to wear are causing serious medical problems. The first lawsuit against the Atlanta-based airline was filed in October with a second on Tuesday in federal court in Madison, the AP reports. The lawsuits allege that the uniforms, created by fashion designer Zac Posen and unveiled in May 2018, have caused numerous Delta employees to break out in skin rashes and suffer hair loss, low white blood cell counts, migraines, breathing difficulties, and other medical problems. The lawsuits claim that Lands' End was negligent in issuing the uniforms and failing to recall them once problems were reported. Lands' End declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation.

The lawsuits claim that the chemicals and finishes used to create high-stretch, wrinkle- and stain-resistant, waterproof, anti-static and deodorizing garments for the uniforms led to the health problems. More than 500 current or former employees are listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed Tuesday. The October suit was brought on behalf of anyone required to wear the Passport Plum uniforms. Delta has more than 60,000 uniformed workers worldwide. "Our top priority continues to be the safety of our employees, which is why we invested in a rigorous toxicology study to determine if there was a universal scientific issue with the uniform," Delta said in a statement, per CNN. "The results of the study confirm our uniforms meet the highest textile standards." The employees' suit says their tests showed otherwise. (One flight attendant says her injuries look like chemical burns.)