Female Cabin Crew Furious Over ‘Cheap’ British Airways Uniforms ‘Designed for Non-Binary Crew’
In recent times, British Airways (BA) has faced a wave of discontent from its female staff regarding what they perceive as the ‘cheap’ and ‘deliberately androgynous’ uniforms designed for non-binary crew members.
Last year, BA made a significant shift by relaxing its stringent uniform policy and embracing gender neutrality to allow male pilots and crew to wear makeup and carry handbags. This move marked a departure from their traditional guidelines and signified a shift towards inclusivity and modernization.
At the start of this year, BA revealed a new uniform for the first time in two decades, aiming to propel the airline into a new era. Although the uniforms were gendered, BA’s policy now permits staff to wear clothing aligned with their identified gender. Designed by renowned British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, the new uniform includes a sleek ‘modern jumpsuit,’ skirt and trouser options for women, and a tailored three-piece suit for men, with regular and slim-fit style trousers.
While BA celebrated the launch as a pivotal moment for the airline, some female staff members expressed dissatisfaction with the uniform’s appearance, labelling it ‘cheap’ and criticising its androgynous design. On the other hand, Bradley Gibbons, a non-binary ‘Pride Hero’ within BA, showcased the new uniform proudly, highlighting the airline’s commitment to inclusivity and gender fluidity.
The new uniform underwent rigorous testing in secret trials, involving more than 1,500 crew members and various workshops to ensure its suitability and durability for a range of roles within the airline. This rigorous testing process included exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as deluge showers and sub-zero temperatures, to validate its resilience and functionality.
Amidst the criticism, the airline stands by its commitment to fostering an inclusive working environment and is actively engaged in promoting diversity and embracing employees’ authentic identities. Other airlines, like Virgin Atlantic, have also taken steps to remove gendered clothing requirements from their uniform policies, demonstrating an industry-wide shift towards greater inclusivity and acceptance of diverse gender identities.
