General Policy Updates

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Issue:  Circle of Safety & Cause Foundation September 11, 2001 Remembrance Pin
Response:  Both pins are acceptable for wear on the uniform and three pin maximum must be observed.

Issue:  Allergic Reactions to Uniform Fabrics
Response:  AFA had discussion with management about adverse reactions some are having to the new uniform smock when the fabric comes into direct contact with the skin on the neck. The smock is 65% polyester & 35% cotton.  There is no wool component to the smock.  In addition, the garment meets all flammability standards as set forth in our Contract.  Our garment is also treated with a soil release compound.  This compound will wash out of the garment after ten (10) washings.

Our Contract provides for an alternate uniform for those with a wool allergy.  In addition, for those with other allergies, we've been pressing the company to outline the process by which a request for this hypo-allergenic material is made.  Flight Attendants in these situations should contact their domicile supervisor for additional information.

Issue:  Designated location for the Union (AFA) pin – Confusion in the field on the proper location and Flight Attendants received conflicting instructions.
Response:  The official union pin (AFA) is to be worn in the upper left corner of the outermost garment.   When wearing the blazer, the Union pin is to be placed on the left lapel.  Supervisors in the field have been reminded of the designated area for the pin.

Issue:  Lanyards
Response:  Company ID badges may be worn on a chain or a cord which must be plain black, blue, silver or printed with the current United logo.  No other printed lanyards are allowed unless approved and or distributed by the company.  We have confirmed that the United issued lanyard has a break away feature.

Issue:  Jackets onboard the aircraft
Response:  We have confirmed the company policy will comport with the Settlement in MEC 11-88. 

Issue:  Name Bars do not take into consideration registered aliases or "nicknames" on file. 
AFA Response: We have filed an MEC Grievance on this issue.
 
Issue:  Wearing the vest as the outermost garment by both male & female Flight Attendants.
Response:  Following our request for information on the prohibition, management responded. "The vest was not designed to be an outermost garment.  It is really meant as a serving garment option to the apron.  It is not a complete look by itself off of the aircraft and is not representative of our image.

Issue:   Serving jacket too hot and "beyond ugly and outdated."
Response:  Management's response:  "The serving jacket is classic, unlined and light weight and is greatly improved over the last jacket."  Management went on to explain how they "need a differentiation of appearance in the premium cabins where we provide an elevated level of service.  Need to distinguish Flight Attendants working in the forward cabins.  There are no plans to alter the regulation or the garment."  An additional management opinion indicated that it may be related to the newness of the item and that people need time to get used to it."

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