A train company has been asked to back down on a uniform change because of complaints from female staff that the shirts are ‘see through’ and their bras can be seen through the ‘cheap’ material.
Avanti West Coast has so far refused to budge on the uniforms, which are due to be brought in after Easter, despite a union calling for them to be binned off.
Women within the transport and travel union TSSA are said to be ‘appalled’ with the new ensemble, which they claim is made from ‘very cheap material’.
Responding, the Avanti has said that no complaints were raised during a trial of the new attire, and said that staff are allowed to wear alternatives such as polo shirts.
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They also added that the shirts have been made to conform with international quality standards.
Still, TSSA General Secretary Manuel Cortes says the decision is ‘disgraceful’.
He 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."
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“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, the Organising Director of TSSA, added: “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.
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“The uniforms should be withdrawn without delay, so all staff have the respect they deserve.”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.”
Tom Wood