A transport and travel union has urged Avanti West Coast to drop plans to bring in a new uniform, claiming the outfits are "cheap" and "see-through", North Wales Live reports. Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) said there had not been proper consultation about the new uniforms and that they left women members feeling "exposed".
The uniforms are due to be introduced after Easter but women union members have said they are “appalled” that their bras can be seen from the back and the front. They believe the issue has been caused by blouses being made from “very cheap material".
Avanti operates services between London and North Wales and said there were no issues raised during a trial of the new uniforms and that staff also had the option to wear alternatives like polo shirts. They added that the shirts conform with international standards of grading quality.
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “It is disgraceful that in the 21st century Avanti is giving staff see through blouses and they should ditch their plans right now. There has been zero consultation with our union about the uniforms and had there been we would have told Avanti that they would leave our members, and women across the company, feeling exposed at a time when sexual assaults on the railways are on the rise.
“Frankly the company now deserves all the bad publicity it is likely to get. They have tried to say that alternative uniforms are available, but we know this is a bogus claim. In fact onboard staff and those working in lounges are being compelled to wear them.”
Nadine Rae, TSSA organising director, said: “The company is trying to cut costs with what our members say is very cheap material. The blouses are completely unacceptable.
“Avanti should be protecting all the women who work for them but instead they are making them targets. The uniforms should be withdrawn without delay, so all staff have the respect they deserve.”
A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said: “The uniform has been trialled by staff from across the business and this issue was not raised. The composition of the shirt is heavier than the current uniform and conforms with international standards of grading quality. Our staff have the option to wear alternative items including a polo shirt, dress, or layer with other garments as part of the design and we’ll continue to work with them to take onboard their feedback.”
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