The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that two of Air Canada's largest unions are accusing the airline of being sexist in how it introduced new uniforms and a handbook that explains how employees should groom themselves as part of the new look.
The Globe's Greg Keenan writes that the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents flight attendants, has filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission about aspects of the introduction of the uniforms.
Unifor, the union that represents airport gate agents and other staff, says the handbook given to employees about the uniforms is "offensive" and "arrogant."
The memo to Unifor members centres on Air Canada's Airports Style Standards Book, which advises employees among other things, that, "Eating foods that have strong odours are also best avoided so they don't cling to the fabric of your uniform."
There are several pages of instructions for women on how to apply makeup, and recommended cosmetic products. Sections for both men and women offer advice on hair styling, with an outline of permitted types of mustaches for men.
Unifor set out its complains in a memo to members titled "Air Canada -- It's a Barbie World."
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