Source: www.unitedafa.org 

Today the company finalized plans on the cutover date for the new uniform.  June 25th it is.  Given this announcement, the concern expressed by those who have yet to receive all of the necessary components of the uniform is justifiable. 

Inflight management has indicated an awareness of the numbers of individuals who are without the complete uniform.  We have been told by management they are working closely with Cintas, our uniform vendor, to track the manufacturing and shipping processes for back ordered pieces.  Based on an ongoing review of this information, management has set the cutover date and anticipates having uniform pieces to all employees.
 
We are receiving reports from around the system that some uniform items, once machine-washed, have shrunk and can no longer be worn because they don't fit.   Management has been told by Cintas this shrinkage is the result of not following the garment care instructions and is not a fabric quality issue.  Be advised that there are different care or laundering instructions for each garment. It is absolutely not a "one size fits all care instruction." For example, garments made of uniform "suiting" material are to be laundered in cold water, low heat drying and use of a "cool" iron to remove any remaining wrinkles in the fabric.  Use of fabric softener is to be avoided.  Uniform shirts, on the other hand, must be washed in warm water with like color fabrics and, once dried, removed immediately from the dryer to avoid wrinkling.  The uniform overcoat and liner cannot be laundered and must be professionally dry-cleaned.

We've learned that a separate document detailing care instructions isn't included with the material shipped with the uniform to your home. In addition, not all uniform items have care instructions sewn into them.  If you are unclear about how any of the uniform items are to be cared for, contact Cintas Customer Service for specific instructions.  
 
Should you encounter a situation where any of the uniform items have shrunk, you should contact Cintas for assistance in securing replacement pieces.  In the event you are unable to resolve the situation with the Cintas Customer Service Representative, contact your domicile uniform coordinator or any inflight supervisor for further assistance in obtaining the necessary uniform pieces.  Management has indicated that the stated goal is to have Flight Attendants in full uniform on the cutover date, feeling good about wearing the new uniform.   Don't hesitate to contact your Local Council Office for further assistance.
 
We continue to receive questions and calls expressing concern related to the California Proposition 65 notice sewn into the uniform purse.  AFA representatives met with management to review the product testing that was recently completed on the components of the uniform purse.  We continue our work at dissecting the test results that were shared with the Union.  At this time, we can advise that management, based on the tests completed, has reached a conclusion that the purse presents no danger to those who use or carry it. 
 
AFA's preliminary review of the test results provided confirms that the chemicals tested for in the components of the purse are within the tolerances contemplated by California Proposition 65. California State Law contemplates that manufacturers have a choice to make as it relates to the testing contemplated under Proposition 65.  If the testing (which can be costly), is not completed, manufacturers are required to include this product warning notice.  Said another way, had the manufacturer completed the required testing and ended up with a similar test result, it is likely the Proposition 65 notice would not have been required to be placed in the uniform purse.    
 
What is important to understand is that many products that we use in our daily lives contain the chemical compounds contemplated for testing under this State Law.  These tests under CA State Law monitor the levels of these compounds to ensure the concentration is at or below acceptable levels.  The law does not necessarily contemplate, nor does it require, a complete absence of these compounds. 
 
It should be clear that AFA is making no representation as to whether this product is "safe" or "unsafe" for use.  In our representational role, we continue to ensure that the product complies with the strict standards required by law while we reassure those who continue to have concerns about using this item that uniform appearance regulations do not require carrying of the uniform purse.  However, if you elect to carry another purse, it must be contained inside your suitcase or an approved uniform tote bag.   Our advocacy on this issue continues.
 
Finally, our discussions regarding the requirement for women to wear the uniform scarf with the uniform blouse have been ongoing.  We have advised management of the concerns that have been expressed about having to wear the scarf around the neck, especially in the confines of the aircraft cabin.  AFA has made specific recommendations for the uniform scarf to be developed with a "break-away" option that would provide the same level of personal safety as a clip on tie does for male Flight Attendants.  The company has declined to provide to this option.  Instead, the company continues to assert that there is no reason for concern, safety or otherwise, about wearing the scarf.   Further, those who wish to not wear the scarf have other options namely, the dress and short jacket.  We have communicated to the company the nature of your personal safety concerns.  Our advocacy on this issue is ongoing and we will continue to explore other options.