A Spanish airline is facing fines from labor inspectors for requiring its flight attendants to paint and wear high heels at work. The local newspaper El Periódico reported on the details of the case.
The Vueling airline may be fined 30,000 euros following a complaint by the trade union STAVLA in connection with the violation of the rights of female staff. Stewardesses were required to wear heels 5-8 centimeters high on board planes, not to use “eyelashes that look artificial or excessively long”, not to choose shadows of any other shades, except for light gray and light brown, and must apply a foundation that matches your skin tone.
According to the report, women were also allowed to wear lipstick, but only in a “discreet” color. At the same time, men are recommended to simply make sure that their appearance is “clean and neat.” El Periódico noted that there are no guidelines for men’s footwear.
Following a complaint from the union, the Catalan government’s labor inspectorate conducted an investigation and concluded that Vueling could adopt less labor-intensive and more balanced corporate rules that did not discriminate against the female workforce.
A Vueling spokesman said the airline is now “examining” its options for the fine and whether it can be appealed, and plans to review staff appearance requirements. “We always take into account the concerns of stakeholders and analyze them together. The company’s goal is to ensure the comfort and safety of its employees in any environment. The rules of style were developed with the approval of representatives of the crew members,” he said.
“Some proposals of crew members were gradually implemented. For example, there are no longer gender differences or the obligation to wear make-up in the make-up rules,” added a Vueling representative.
The fine imposed on the airline is a major achievement for the union, as it is the first such penalty in the country and an important step in the fight against aesthetic expectations and requirements that discriminate against female staff. “In foreign companies, make-up or heels are not a mandatory requirement, but in some Spanish companies there is still an outdated way of thinking,” explained Ernesto Iglesias, head of USO-Air Sector.