Avanti West Coast has been called on by Transport and travel union TSSA to abandon plans to bring in what it claims are "see through" uniforms.
It said there had been an outcry from female members of staff surrounding the uniforms which are due to be rolled out at the end of Easter. Women have claimed the uniforms are made from 'very cheap material' allowing their bras to be seen from the back and the front.
But according to Avanti, which runs services between London and North Wales, there were no issues raised during a trial of the new uniforms which it said conformed with international standards of grading quality. It added that staff also had the option to wear alternatives like polo shirts. You can get more news like this and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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TSSA general secretary, Manuel Cortes said, North Wales Live reports : “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.
“Frankly, the company now deserves all the bad publicity it is likely to get. They have tried to say that alternative uniforms are available, but we know this is a bogus claim. In fact onboard staff and those working in lounges are being compelled to wear them.”
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 The uniforms should be withdrawn without delay, so all staff have the respect they deserve.”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.”
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