Train operator drops flesh-coloured bra request

Following complaints, Spanish train operator, Renfe, has withdrawn a request submitted to unions last week that asked female employees to wear a flesh-coloured bra, and suggesting their make-up, nail, hair, and jewellery recommendations.

“It is recommended to wear a flesh-coloured bra with this garment [shirt].” “Makeup must be discreet as it promotes a pleasant and natural appearance. Throughout the workday, we should try to check the condition of the makeup and touch it up if necessary.” “If enamel is used, it should be in pastel tones, a single tone or only with glitter.” These are some of the indications that Renfe included in its proposed style and uniformity book, a code that affects its passenger service staff, but also that of the companies with which it subcontracts some of these services. It is the text that Renfe presented to the unions last Wednesday, but which, due to complaints, it has withdrawn. The company is committed to negotiating a new manual from scratch and now recognises that this draft included inadequate proposals.

The Renfe Viajeros staff began to receive new uniforms yesterday. The Renfe Style and Uniformity Book is a “consequence” of this change in uniform, as can be read in the document that the company sent to the unions. “In this book, the garments and accessories that make up the uniform are detailed, their use, their compositions, the seasons of use, situations that require their use, conservation recommendations as well as guidelines for use,” the draft detailed. The change of uniform has been a participatory and consensual process, assures the CCOO railway secretary, Pepa Páez.

It was in the ‘Image, care and personal grooming’ section where detailed instructions appear that affect personal decisions. Regarding makeup, the company pointed out that it should be “discreet” and “in accordance with the natural colour of the skin.” “It is recommended that the makeup and colour of the clothing be in harmony,” they added.

Hands and nails are the subject of their own section that specified that they must be “always clean and cared for in order to reinforce a good professional image.” Beyond that, Renfe gave very specific instructions about the enamel, which must be in “pastel tones” and only one tone “or only with shine.” “In no case will chipped enamels be allowed. “You should not wear very long nails,” they add.

Among the garments of the Renfe Viajeros staff uniform is the shirt or blouse, white in colour and used throughout the year. In the “details to take care of” that the manual proposal mentioned there were several that affect the shirt. For example, Renfe does not allow the use of an undershirt underneath. But it also specified what the underwear should be like: “It is recommended to wear flesh-coloured underwear (bra).”

The company also regulated the accessories that its staff can use. If used, the earrings “will be discreet and small in size.” Bracelets “one maximum, discreet and without any type of pendants or accessories except for medical reasons.” “Only one discreet ring is recommended on each hand on the middle or ring finger,” they stated.

Regarding hair, Renfe’s proposal indicated that the short or medium hair will be “combed” while long hair must be tied up “with a medium or low ponytail, braid or bun” without loose strands. “The rubber bands, forks, etc. They will be consistent with the hair colour and with the image and tones chosen in uniformity. Discreet dye colours will be used,” they added. The code also mentions shaving and sideburns, the length of which “should not exceed the earlobe.”

As for men, they should be “Always clean shaven. If they have a beard, goatee or moustache, they will be equally cared for and discreet,” they noted.

It is not uncommon for travel companies to dictate uniform standards, the airlines have been doing so for years, for example, but in these modern times is not seen as appropriate to be quite so demanding.

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