Avanti staff say they are "appalled" by the company's plans to introduce what they have called "see through" uniforms.
Avanti West Coast are to introduce the new uniforms at the end of the Easter period. Yet, the travel and transport union TSSA has called on the company to drop the plans following a backlash from female staff members who say that the uniforms are "see through" and reveal their bras from both the front and back.
Avanti, who operate one of the main lines from Liverpool to London, said that no issues were raised during a trial of the uniforms, and that reluctant staff also could opt for an alternative such as a polo shirt. They also said that the tops conform to "international standards of grading quality"
READ MORE: Man headbutted takeaway worker and shouted racial slurs in attack
TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes told the Daily Post : “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."
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 The uniforms should be withdrawn without delay, so all staff have the respect they deserve.”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.”
