Uniform Updates

Date: September 17, 2013
Source: AFA Article

Blouses and Shirts
Early on United AFA reported to the company concerns from our female Members that the uniform blouse and shirt were too short and coming 'untucked' from the uniform pants, slacks and skirt.  Initially, company representatives advised "they hadn't received any feedback" from Flight Attendants. 

At this most recent meeting, management claims that the shirt 'tails' were initially extended and acknowledged that apparently they had not been extended enough.  In response to the ongoing concerns, as new shirts are manufactured, an additional two inches will be added to the shirt tails.  The shirt will continue to be scalloped on the sides (as opposed to straight across) in order to discourage Flight Attendants from wearing the garment without tucking the "tails" in.

Male Flight Attendants are reporting the collar stays are being lost when laundered.  Future manufacture and distribution of the shirt will include two additional collar stays in addition to the extra buttons that are included when the garment is shipped.

Sweaters
Based on feedback from our Members and ongoing complaints, the company has approved a long and tall version of both the V-neck and Cardigan sweaters.   The garments will be offered as long or short garments only.  There will be no petite or short garment offering. 

International Serving Jacket
After weeks of discussion, a decision has been made to shorten the sleeve length on the International Serving jacket.  In addition, the sleeve will be tapered near the wrist to ensure the sleeve is not so wide.  The company will continue to offer the alteration voucher to ensure the cost of covering alterations to properly fit the international serving jacket are covered by the company consistent with the terms of our Contract.

Aprons –  Velcro versus Snaps & Skin Reactions
Future manufacture of the uniform apron will include grommet holes and backing will be added to the garment to ensure the backs of the name bar aren't touching other uniform components and causing potential damage.  In addition, an alternate placement of the Velcro is being considered to address ongoing concerns about skin irritation.  An alternate consideration is substitution of the Velcro with the snaps that were previously included in earlier versions of the s-UA uniform.  Skin irritation continues to be a complaint based on the fact that this new apron now rests directly on the skin when wearing the uniform dress and the short jacket.  While the material is reported as being stiff and previously it was recommended that a series of six (6) washings would remove the soil repellant and soften the garment, reports indicate that repeated washings are not delivering the fabric "softening"  and removal of the soil repellant that was expected.

Name Bar & Wing Backings
Flight Attendants report the quality of the backing on the name bar and wings is substandard.  Reports indicate the pin is pushing through the "backing" and is causing damage to other uniform garments.  Currently, the company is looking to obtain different backing (jewel backing) to address these escalating concerns.  Garments damaged as a result of the pin pushing through the backing will be replaced at company expense.  Flight Attendants should contact their domicile supervisor to initiate the process for replacement.

Blue (Dress) Jacket
As previously reported, design of a new "Chanel type" blue (dress) jacket has been commissioned by management for female Flight Attendants.  This "blue" jacket will be made of the same material as the uniform dress and can be worn with the dress, the uniform skirt or the uniform slacks.  This will not be considered a core uniform item but will be mandatory (or the uniform blazer) with the dress when flying internationally.   The jacket includes interior pockets on each side of the jacket and these pockets are deep enough for a pen.  Material will cover the backing of the uniform wings pins.  In addition, the company will reinforce the top of the jacket edge to prevent "flopping down".

The company anticipates approval this week and will be on a tight timeline for introduction during the first quarter of 2014.

Management indicates they are working with Cintas for forecasting of the volume of garments that will need to be manufactured.  While they don't have much data on what demand will be like, they are projecting the jacket will be a "big seller." 

In an effort to avoid the immediate "back order" situation we continue to experience with the uniform dress, they are seeking to determine "How many of you may wear this?"   It's important to know that the jacket is comparable to (and will wear like) the regular blazer and is not similar to the short (sleeve) jacket.  It will be priced similar to that of the blazer.  As an optional item, Flight Attendants at both subsidiaries will be able to order the jacket at a 25% discount for the first 90 days following introduction.  You can access the survey from our website at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X5M5K9856872257444266800125557782

Aviator Shirts – Back Order Fulfillment and Uniform Wing Placement
It is anticipated that back order fulfillment for this item is targeted for October 2013. The company is considering adding grommet holes to the future production of the Aviator shirt.  Management acknowledged they weren't clear on where the wings are to be worn on the Aviator shirt and they are seeing placement in a number of areas on the shirt.  The proper location for the wings on the Aviator shirt is on the pocket of the shirt.

Dress Backorder Fulfillment
It is uncertain when the current back order for uniform dresses will be cleared up.

Returns Processing
Since introduction of the new uniform, the company has offered free returns for an unlimited time with the original program and this will be extended through December 31st.    Typically there has been a sixty (60) day free return policy.    AFA was advised of the company's plan to return to enforcing the sixty (60) day return window, effective January 1st.    We immediately pointed out that the company will need to make special consideration for those Flight Attendants returning from voluntary furlough to ensure these individuals were provided with the same opportunity as other Flight Attendants  based on the company's decision to cancel these orders.

We discussed uniform quality issues.   Management asserted this affects a relatively small number considering the number of garments issued (and didn't consider that Flight Attendants have simply grown tired of dealing with these issues). Management stated emphatically, "we want employee to return defective items to Cintas" so they can identify if this is an issue affecting individual garments or an entire production lot. After Cintas receives the garment, if they determine it is a quality issue, they will replace the garment free of charge.  If, on the other hand, it is not a quality issue and the item has been damaged because, for example, the employee selected a garment that was "too small", Cintas will return the garment to the employee.  Flight Attendants may return garments they believe are affected by "quality issues" using the enclosed return mail label if they still have it.  If not, they should call Cintas Customer Service to request a postage paid return mail label.

Management went on to explained the need to return defective garments so that the issue can be identified, tracked and trended.  They explained, despite the level of chatter in social media about defective garments, that employees are reluctant to return these garments which are essential in resolving the larger issue.  Flight Attendants who contact you regarding defective garments should be strongly encouraged to return these garments to Cintas for evaluation.

Concern was raised that some responses to reports submitted to United Voices were reflecting a commitment to replace uniform items.  Management indicated that this should not be happening and employees should be referred to a supervisor or uniform coordinator in the domicile.  Of note, management acknowledged that these uniform issues do not belong in United Voices.  In their view, if employees have suggestions about the uniform, he expressed this is a possible venue for getting these opinions heard.  Our recommendation to our Members is that they contact their Local Council or the MEC Uniform committee (uniforms@unitedafa.org) with these suggestions.

Uniform Items Damaged While Working
Managment made it clear that uniform items damaged while working will be replaced by the company free of charge.  To initiate this process, Flight Attendants should contact a domicile supervisor who will, in turn, contact representatives at WHQ who will initiate either restoration of uniform points or the core allocation so the employee can order replacement pieces.

Allergy Process
AFA was advised that there is an process in place to address allergic reactions to uniform items. 
At s-UA, our Contract provides for a non-wool replacement for those with wool allergies.  Other allergies will require the involvement of United Medical. 

Returns Processing Errors
Addressing the returns, it was explained that these are processed manually by a person who logs in the garments.  Given the volume of returns and the number of uniform items distributed she expressed a view that we need to expect a certain level of "human error."  United management is giving employees the benefit of the doubt and taking them at their word in any situation where there is a discrepancy.

It is expected that the process of managing uniform items will return to the domicile – at some point in the future.  Work is underway to establish supervisory access to ordering system and point balances.  (This functionality is currently not available in the domicile.  We reviewed how this is likely a source of frustration for Flight Attendants.)

Reprinting/Revision of Appearance Standards Book
At the 90-day mark, management is planning on reprinting the appearance standards book to update items that have changed since the first printing. 

United AFA renewed our earlier recommendation that any new publication should include pictures to make expectations clear.  We've previously reminded the company that Flight Attendants have responded positively to "visual" representations of the standards.  If compliance is what the company seeks, the standard should be clear.  In response, we were advised that the company is seriously considering our recommendation of including pictures in the reprinted publication.

Name Insignia
We reminded those in attendance that our s-UA Contract provides that "name insignia," specifically name bars, are not required to be worn when off the aircraft by any Flight Attendant including those who are purser qualified.    Name badges are required by airport policy and are to be worn when off the aircraft, in particularly in areas of the airport that are security restricted.

Printed from the official United Master Executive Council website at www.unitedafa.org.