Qantas uniform backlash: The 'go woke, go broke' mob is at it again (yawn)
The airline's move to bring staff uniforms into the current era has been met with predictable outrage.
OPINION
As soon as Qantas announced its staff could loosen up when it comes to uniform requirements, the detractors came out in full force.
The changes are pretty minimal when really examined – high heels and makeup are no longer a requirement for any Qantas team members but can be worn by anyone who chooses to, while men can grow their hair out and cornrows are now permitted. Stockings are still to be worn with skirts, and tattoos must remain concealed, but rules about designated "male" and "female" uniforms have been scrapped.
These small updates have been jumped on by some to reiterate the good 'ole "go woke, go broke" mantra. Those four words still get attached to anyone and any company that happens to address old conventions and move them into the current era.
No big deal
Here's the thing: every employee is still required to wear a uniform. Something like men being allowed to grow their hair a bit longer isn't as dramatic as it sounds, as the style still has to be "tidy". Ditto for makeup. And some men on staff might like to wear some foundation. Seriously, is that such a big deal?
The whole idea is to modernise the workforce, and I would think that, no question, our universal relaxed work-from-home scenario is part of it. WFH has attached itself like a mollusc to many workers and it has, in a very diluted way, slipped into the uniform-wearing employee world.
What could pose a small problem are drunken redneck passengers who like to have a go at anything they don't perceive as "normal". Sigh.
Laughable criticism
Social media has been full of commentary already. "Just issue them all a few sets of Qantas PJs then," commented one Twitter user. "The last thing I want is to be served by a dress-wearing hostess with a beard," said another, which actually had me laughing. Out. Loud.
Ageism (yawn) has also come into the style equation. "Good move given the age of Qantas cabin crew. When I travel with them it's like walking into an RSL lounge," added a third.
"I'm getting sick of this dressing down, grunch (sic) look rubbish," bemoaned someone else. "Since Covid, people think wearing gym gear and dressing down is the new norm in the workplace. I hate it, take pride in your appearance."
I think one thing flight attendants do is exactly that – take pride in their appearance. The new rules simply allow a few more "now" attributes, like the ability to don flat shoes, not wear a full face of makeup (unless you want to), wear a bigger-faced watch, and gosh, even diamond earrings. Quelle horreur!
'Welcome to 2023'
Thankfully, not all of the commentary has been negative, with some flyers unfussed by the more relaxed vibe. "Welcome to 2023. I haven't worn heels in 25 years," tweeted one. "Does it really matter as long as the people in the cabin identify as competent pilots?" chimed another.
So let's not say this is some gargantuan style overhaul that will cause the end of high-flying civilisation as we know it. It's more about keeping up with the times. As a Qantas spokesperson said, the changes will make wearing the uniform more comfortable and practical for all, "including those with a wide range of body types and those from diverse cultures."
As with anything, there are going to be people who don't like change, but all airlines should be about diversity. I reckon a more relaxed, more inclusive uniform is the least of our problems at the moment.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
