The U.S. Department of Labor says that American Airlines discouraged flight attendants from reporting work-related injuries and illnesses and docked attendance points for complaining about jet fuel fumes leaking into aircraft cabins.
The labor department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Fort Worth-based American Airlines should pay a $6,837 fine following an investigation started in August after employees reported illnesses. American can appeal the fine.
“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,” OSHA’s Area Director for Fort Worth Timothy Minor said in a statement. “Workers must feel empowered to inform managers and others about potential hazards that jeopardize workers’ safety and health.”
