Qantas cabin crew will be capable of ditch excessive heels, develop their hair lengthy and decide to put on make-up no matter their gender because the nationwide service relaxes strict uniform guidelines that one union has branded as ridiculous.
The “style and grooming” overhaul is available in response to long-held frustrations by employees, modernising workplaces and evolving buyer expectations, the airline stated.
Qantas uniforms haven’t modified, however designated “male” and “female” uniform determinations have been scrapped and grooming necessities overhauled.
Female cabin crew beforehand anticipated to put on excessive heels on long-haul flights had been asking to put on extra comfy and sensible flat footwear, a Qantas spokeswoman stated.
Similarly, some male cabin crew expressed a need to put on concealer and basis.
“These changes will make wearing our uniform more comfortable and practical,” the spokeswoman stated.
Included within the modifications for all employees is the choice to put on flat footwear with uniforms, in addition to carrying lengthy hair in a low ponytail or bun.
All workers can now put on the identical jewelry, together with watches and diamond earrings.
Employees can even have the selection of whether or not to put on make-up or not, though tattoos nonetheless have to be hid.
Hosiery might be required to be worn with a costume or skirt.
“The update doesn’t change our uniform but modernises the way employees wear it in line with employee feedback and evolving customer expectations,” the Qantas spokeswoman stated.
The Flight Attendants Association of Australia stated it welcomed any enjoyable of employees grooming pointers in an business it described as “archaic”.
National secretary Teri O’Toole was cautiously optimistic in regards to the modifications, however she stated they might not be vital in apply.
“To say that men can now wear make-up is slightly misleading,” she informed AAP.
“Don’t expect to see male cabin crew with a full face of make-up on a plane.”
Ms O’Toole stated it was her understanding that male workers would be capable of put on clear nail polish, a transparent lip gloss and a basis however wouldn’t be capable of put on mascara, eyeliner or colored lipstick and nail polish.
She urged the airline to think about extra versatile uniforms catered to crew who had been anticipated to journey between totally different climates and climate situations.
Australian Services Union Victoria secretary Imogen Sturni described the modifications as a giant win for employees and hopes they mirror a cultural change in administration.
“Some of the dress code requirements were bordering on ridiculous,” she stated.
“It was time that uniform requirements moved into the 21st century.”
The Australian Services Union wrote to Qantas chief government Alan Joyce urging the airline to rethink its uniform coverage and ease make-up and excessive heel necessities in March final 12 months.
“While airline uniforms have come a long way since the days of miniskirts and towering heels, we think there’s still a long way to go,” ASU assistant nationwide secretary Emeline Gaske stated on the time.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
