AFA Statement on United Uniforms
Washington, DC (January 22, 2019) — In response to United Airlines' introduction of potential new uniforms, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA International President Sara Nelson released the following statement:
"Within the past decade health and safety has become the biggest concern with new uniforms. United made a deliberate decision to work with AFA from the start and utilize our experience to ensure Flight Attendant health is protected.
"United selected a vendor that is recognized for making high-quality garments and has demonstrated its commitment to quality control in fabric sourcing, garment assembly, and shipping practices. The airline has implemented our recommendations to ensure safety related to chemical contents of fabrics and garment features specific for working crews. In addition, the airline is conducting a thorough wear test program representing large cross-sections of the population, which is an important part of producing a uniform that allows Flight Attendants to do our job without health concerns.
"The new uniform is well made and produced. This is an important foundation for successfully rolling out a new uniform. There is still time for adjustments related to style and the airline is receiving feedback now. Style can be modified, but a safe, well-made uniform, properly distributed is critical.
"It is common across the industry that reaction to new uniform style is critical. Sometimes that changes as Flight Attendants see and feel the uniform in person – and sometimes it changes because the style is modified. The good news is that United is still taking feedback and working to make this a uniform that works for Flight Attendants and compliments our role as aviation’s first responders."
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