By NAOMI LARKIN
Want to be a Qantas New Zealand flight attendant? Then don't leave the house without lipstick, makeup, 3cm or higher heels, immaculate nails, a decent hair-dye job and breath freshener.
The airline's corporate uniform policy, which outlines strict guidelines for dress and grooming for both men and women, has been criticised by the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, which says it demonstrates an old-fashioned, stereotypical view of women.
Union national secretary Andrew Little said it was reasonable for an employer to require staff to be clean and tidy and to wear a uniform, but a "highly prescriptive" approach to makeup and dress, at the expense of comfort, was a different matter.
"Women who work in airlines are there to do a job, not just for the viewing pleasure of male travellers," he said.
The union had taken a petition and letters to the airline expressing staff concerns.
In a policy section headed Natural Beauty, women are told that the no-makeup "natural look" is unacceptable, even when they are coming or going to work.
"Appropriate makeup is an essential part of your overall look as it enhances the corporate image when in uniform," the policy states. "Apply foundation when necessary, use neutral tones to accentuate your eyes and add a hint of warm shading to bring out your cheeks."
Neither sex may have wet hair or have "dark roots showing" and men must not sport "very short, wedged or pageboy cuts."
Staff are advised to take care when eating strongly flavoured foods and to tell a colleague if he or she has bad breath.
Although there are restrictions on men's hairstyles, and beards and moustaches are disallowed for safety reasons, the men's guidelines are far less rigorous.
John Cordery, the airline's public relations manager, said the union had made no formal approaches about their concerns.
The grooming standards were normal for an airline "that wants to present itself in a neat, tidy and very professional manner."
"I'm not going to get into discussing our policy with you. We have a policy which is clear and discussed with frontline staff."
Air New Zealand spokesman Alistair Carthew did not want to discuss specific details of the airline's corporate wardrobe and grooming, but said "we have people who set those guidelines and enforce them, as well."
Air NZ had many female flight attendants and it was important their clothes and grooming reflected the company's brand.
"They are the face of the airline to most of our customers."
Cathay Pacific airport services manager Peter Bartley said the airline had a clear uniform policy for both air cabin crew and ground staff. This was an important part of the Cathay Pacific's presentation and operations.
"We've never had any member of our staff question [the uniform policy] and they are all proud to wear it."
'Natural look' won't fly airline tells cabin staff
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