Southwest Air Toxic Uniform Class Claims Advance Against Cintas

Supplier Cintas Corp. lost its bid to strike class allegations in a suit by Southwest Airlines employees who link health problems to their uniforms, after a federal court in Ohio said it would be premature to rule they can’t show common issues predominate.

Southwest and Cintas worked together to create the design of the uniform collection, which included 75 separate pieces so employees could mix and match their garments.

The employees allege the uniforms caused rashes, breathing difficulties, and other health issues.

Cintas argued that the plaintiffs can’t meet a threshold issue for class certification, in part because the numerous ...