American Airlines retaliated against whistleblowers who reported worker illnesses from toxic fumes inside aircraft cabins, according to OSHA.
The agency initiated a whistleblower investigation on Aug. 2, 2022, finding American Airlines retaliated against flight attendants who filed complaints about the illnesses with the company.
Flight attendants who filed complaints told OSHA that the airline “docked attendance points and discouraged them from reporting work-related injuries and illnesses.”
OSHA proposed $6,837 in fines following the investigation.
“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. “Workers must feel empowered to inform managers and others about potential hazards that jeopardize workers’ safety and health.”