Union claims airline blankets and headsets carry germs

Tuesday, November 21st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) _ A union trying to organize laundry workers handed out copies of a study at 20 airports Monday that claimed airline blankets, pillowcases and headphones are not always washed after every use and may harbor dangerous germs.

The Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees said workers at Royal Airline Laundry plants around the country, serving more than 150 airlines, are told to repackage the items if they don't appear dirty. Ira Stern, New Jersey director for the union, said his group represents 200 of Royal's 500 workers and is seeking to organize others.

Royal, based in Inwood, N.Y., called the allegations ``false and malicious,'' and threatened to sue the union for libel. ``All of the items returned to the airlines are in a totally hygienic condition,'' the company said in a statement.

Dr. Russell Rayman, director of the Aerospace Medical Association, said infection is highly unlikely.

``I have not seen any reports in our literature regarding the laundering and cleaning of headsets and blankets, and any association with illness,'' Rayman said.

Stern conceded that the union had not identified any passengers who were sickened by unclean linen or headsets.