Peter Lazenby
This is the last article you can read this month
You can read more article this month
You can read more articles this month
Sorry your limit is up for this month
Reset on:
Please help support the Morning Star by subscribing here
WORKERS are resisting plans by a train-operating company to make staff wear “see-through” blouses as part of a new uniform.
Rail union TSSA, which represents platform and office staff, said that Avanti West Coast intends to introduce the new uniforms on Tuesday.
According to the union, women’s bras are clearly visible through the uniforms’ “very cheap material” and there has been an “outcry” from “appalled” female members of the union.
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “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.
“They have tried to say that alternative uniforms are available, but we know this is a bogus claim. In fact, on-board staff and those working in lounges are being compelled to wear them.”
TSSA organising director Nadine Rae added: “The company is trying to cut costs with what our members say is very cheap material. The blouses are completely unacceptable.
“The uniforms should be withdrawn without delay, so all staff have the respect they deserve.”
Avanti operates services between London Euston and Birmingham, Crewe, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow.
A company spokesperson said that no objections to the clothing had been raised during trials and that staff have the option to wear other garments.
