uniforms for the purpose of upholding the company’s image or for
management considerations. If a uniform policy includes only skirts and
no pants options, it may potentially be seen as gender discrimination,
which could have significant consequences. Regarding whether employers
must provide two sets of uniforms (skirts and pants), many employers
provide only pants due to cost considerations, though some employees may
prefer skirts. Given the range of employee preferences, the Ministry
believes employers should engage in effective communication with
employees regarding uniforms options.21
c) Ministry of Transportation and Communications
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications stated that cabin
crew wear work clothes (workwear) instead of uniforms during emergency
response training. Because clothes are easily soiled during emergency
training or testing, airlines opt for work clothes, which are easier to clean
and more durable than uniforms and can be worn repeatedly in drills. Work
clothes are made of non-breathable, thick, heavy materials that are
unsuitable for wear for general duty performance. Globally, cabin crew
wear work clothes only during emergency training.22
The Aircraft Flight Operation Regulations require on-duty crew
members to wear uniforms for the purpose of identifying them as cabin
crew so that passengers know exactly who to ask for help when an
emergency occurs. Skirts and pants are not the focus of these Regulations.
According to an internal survey conducted by an airline company, 68% of
female cabin crew preferred skirts. 23
d) Department of Gender Equality, Executive Yuan 24
The Department of Gender Equality, Executive Yuan argues that
restricting female employees to skirts or high heels for non-work-related
purposes is a contravention of Article 5(a) of CEDAW and a form of
stereotyping. This is gender discrimination and a direct form of it because
21
The Commission’s meeting minutes with the advisory body on May 30, 2024.
As explained in Jiao-Hang (I) Letter No. 1128130087 dated November 29, 2023
issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
23 The Commission’s meeting minutes with the advisory body on May 30, 2024.
24
The Commission’s meeting minutes with the advisory body on May 30, 2024.
22
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