According to Article 2, Subparagraph 11 of the Aircraft Flight
Operation Regulations, the term “cabin crew member” is defined as “a
crew member who performs, in the interest of safety of passengers, duties
assigned by the operator or the pilot-in-command of the aircraft, but who
shall not act as a flight crew member.” Regarding uniforms, Article 188,
Paragraph 6 of the same regulations states that “cabin crew members shall
wear a company uniform for duty....” The reason for wearing uniforms is
to allow passengers to recognize and identify the cabin crew.
The primary issue at hand is whether the dress codes stipulated by the
airlines named in the complaint constitute gender discrimination. With
reference to the conventions, laws, and regulations that are relevant to this
case, evidence was gathered through stakeholder interviews, documents
provided by the complainant, and airline regulations obtained at the request
of relevant authorities. The factual information related to the dress codes
includes requirements for uniforms, shoes, stockings, makeup, and hair,
which are laid out and explained below:
• Uniform styles: Five airlines require their female cabin crew to wear
skirts and their male cabin crew to wear trousers; one airline had
trousers for both male and female cabin crew.
• Shoe styles: Several airlines require their female cabin crew to wear
high heels or heeled shoes while on duty outside the cabin before
boarding and after deplaning, but offer the option of work shoes (flat
shoes) while serving in the cabin. Male cabin crew are required to wear
leather shoes throughout.
• Socks: Six airlines mandate that their female cabin crew wear
stockings while on duty, with two of these airlines also requiring them
to carry spare stockings; male cabin crew are required to wear socks.
• Makeup and hair: Six airlines require their female cabin crew to wear
makeup, and some require a them to maintain a “healthy glow” and use
shades that complement the uniform colors. The makeup regulations
cover eye makeup, lipstick, nail color, etc. The cabin crew are expected
to refresh their makeup to maintain this look throughout their shifts.
None of the airlines had makeup requirements for male attendants; they
are required to maintain proper grooming and hygiene habits, and they
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