Uniform Committee
- Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, February 1 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
- The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.
- If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible. Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.
On Tuesday, February 1, our AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Milner (LAX), and Denise Sheldon (SAN). Also present were MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Todd Scarlett; MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Uniform Safety Representative Deb Wallstrom; and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer. The committee met with Director of Fuel* Lauren Kriegler, Marketing Product Delivery Manager Kelly Cuthill, and PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford from management.
* Within the company’s supply chain management division, fuel and uniforms are managed by the same group of people.
Topics of Discussion
The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:
- Results from the recent wear test of a prototype warm weather/Aloha shirt that was conducted by the Uniform Committee and ASHSC.
- Concerns that management does not involve the Uniform Committee early enough in the process of developing new uniform components and policies, resulting in unnecessary time and/or expense when problems are identified by Flight Attendants after initial development is in progress or complete.
- Proposal by AFA to expand the ability to wear boots in order to improve Flight Attendant health and safety.
- Status of backordered uniform items and projected availability.
- Ongoing uniform quality issues, specifically about recent reports of zippers breaking off.
- Concerns about sweaters in the female uniform collection being perceived as too thin and not providing enough warmth.
- Requests for pockets in maternity uniform pieces.
- Requests for improvements to the transition jacket, specifically increased warmth and wind resistance.
- Concerns regarding inconsistent enforcement of uniform policies and standards by management.
- Continued requests to simplify uniform policies and guidelines to improve clarity and make compliance easier for Flight Attendants.
- Status of AFA request for non-binary/gender non-conforming uniform and appearance standards.
- Possible expansion of crew luggage program to include a spinner-type suitcase.
What The Committee Is Working On
- Improving the Uniform Boot Policy. Working with management and the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) to allow for a broader range of Arctic boots, to allow Arctic boots in Alaska any time there is snow or ice on the ground, and to allow boots outside of terminals and the aircraft anytime there is inclement weather (policy not yet in effect).
- Simplification of Uniform Policies. Advocating for an overall simplification of company uniform policies through clearer guidelines, removal of excessive or unrealistic restrictions, and other common sense changes.
- Uniform Wear Testing. Participating in wear testing of new or modified uniform pieces under consideration by management, including providing in-depth feedback and promoting changes that make pieces easier to wear and care for.
We Want to Hear From You!
Please help our Uniform Committee by taking the time to email Unisync at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com with any quality issues you are experiencing. When sending an email, please describe the issue with as much detail as possible and include photos if you can. Please CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so that the Uniform Committee can track the issues as well.
Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.
Shelly Vaughn says
Warm weather is coming. I need a shirt that can be worn loose and won’t show sweat marks, maybe a nice white shirt that can be worn untucked.
Brian Palmer (MEC Vice President) says
The Uniform Committee and ASHSC did test a new warm weather shirt prototype over the last few months, but the testers identified numerous issues with the material, wearability, and fit. Unfortunately, that means that the company will have to go back and have design changes made before a new prototype piece can be produced for testing.
Lisa says
I would love a short sleeve white blouse that is tailored to be worn untucked… flattering! Non collar also ❣️
Brian Palmer (MEC Vice President) says
Thanks for sharing your ideas! Please be sure to share them with your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson so that they can bring the idea forward on your behalf!
Ryan Ihrig says
I’m so confused why the Luly winter scarf is no longer available, I get nothing but compliments when wearing it and every FA should have it in their uniform collection, it’s such a strong signature piece.
Brian Palmer (MEC Vice President) says
The Uniform Committee asked management about the Luly Yang winter scarf and was told that the supply that they had initially ordered has been exhausted. Management did indicate that they plan to have more scarves manufactured. Due to supply chain challenges and the necessary lead time, the new supply of scarves is expected to be in stock at the Company Store sometime this fall.
Melinda Jorge Henderson says
I agree with the quality of the material and workmanship of our uniforms.
Hems, shrinkage (yes I follow cleaning instructiond), extra material (lots) in the lining of some pieces. Many of the pieces with long sleeves-the sleeves are short (they fit above the wrist).
Tall isn’t an option I’m not a tall and it doesn’t fit either.
Winter jackets we placed orders for – for winter weather have failed to ship/arrive in time to keep us warm!
The men have been receiving their warm jackets but no women’s in site.
For as long as we waited to receive a new uniform issues such as these should not be issues.
I would like to request a white shirt option. The light blue shows sweat and dirt easily…
Brian Palmer (MEC Vice President) says
There are definitely ongoing issues with this uniform program that are causing a lot of frustration. The Uniform Committee has been pushing management fix the problems and will continue doing so. Please help the Uniform Committee’s efforts by continuing to document any issues that you’re having with the quality, fit, and construction of uniform pieces and report them to Unisync (be sure to cc your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email). Also, please don’t hesitate to contact your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson directly with any requests or ideas for new uniform pieces or changes to existing ones.
Jo says
I totally agree. Shrinkage. I have a quality washer ;for delicates… two years now since I’ve placed an order.
Worn out two yr old garments ..& yes no warm sweaters. Please,
use other colors than BLUE!!
Why not create a mock turtleneck.. with color…the light green we have, even a light blue… zip turtleneck for the ladies??? Definitely not enough pieces .. thanks.
Or even timely delivery. Waiting… waiting…
Brian Palmer (MEC Vice President) says
Don’t forget that if you have uniform pieces that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear or manufacturer’s defect (e.g. shrinkage when you’ve been following the provided care instructions), the company is required to do so free of charge under section 13.C.2 of the contract. You can get in touch with your base supervisor to make a claim and get the pieces taken care of. Also, don’t forget to share your ideas about different pieces and colors with your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson so they can bring them forward for you!
Lisa says
The thinness of the sweaters….our wings poke holes in our sweaters! Hems fall out of pants and skirts. And please…can we get an actual packable jacket? Columbia makes an excellent professional looking blue jacket. We need something to pack easily when going from hot to cold weather.
Brian Palmer (MEC Vice President) says
The Uniform Committee is on it! They’ve brought up all of these concerns with management and will keep pressing the issues until they’re fixed. Please be sure to let your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson know about any details or specifics that you might be experiencing or any other thoughts and ideas that you have to make improvements.