NWA's new flight attendant dresses, designed by Richard Tyler. Photo via Washington Post.
There has been controversy over weight issues with airline passengers in recent years. But now the issues are coming from within as employees of Northwest Airlines (now owned by Delta) are getting a bit perturbed by the uniform design approved by their employers.
Delta Airlines hired fashion designer Richard Tyler to design their flight attendants’ red dress uniforms. Tyler wanted them to “look sexy.” The problem is, some workers are complaining that they are too small.
The Northwest chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has filed a grievance against Delta. They would like to see the company offer the red dress up to size 28. Currently, the uniform is only offered up to a size 18.
“I think red is an eye-popping color and it’s not subtle, and to me by not offering it in a size over 18, Delta is saying, ‘We don’t want you wearing that if you are over size 18,'” says Reller, who handles grievances for the union’s executive committee. “But the job isn’t about being sexy. It’s about safety.”
Delta spokeswoman Gina Laughlin responded:
“The majority of pre-merger Northwest flight attendants have given us very positive feedback about the Richard Tyler Collection,” she says. “The sizing of our red dress has not been an issue with Delta flight attendants since the program’s inception three years ago. This is AFA hype leading up to the election.”
When Delta announced plans for new uniforms, they said the decision would boost morale among employees and increase the airline’s bottom line.
What do you think?
(via: Yahoo)