China Airlines female crew debut trousers-based uniforms

Taoyuan/Kaohsiung, Jan. 1 (CNA) Female cabin crew at Taiwan-based China Airlines debuted a new trousers-based uniform at airports on Wednesday, as part of efforts to promote gender equality.

The state-owned airline had its female cabin crew members showcase the trousers-based uniform, featuring a patchwork design in three colors - blue, red, and black -- at both Taoyuan and Kaohsiung international airports.

Huang Shih-hui (黃世惠), president of the airline's Kaohsiung branch, told local reporters that the new uniform was officially launched Wednesday as part of the company's commitment to gender equality and global trends.

Now, the airline's female cabin crew members can wear either skirts or trousers at work, Huang said, adding that most had registered for a trouser-based uniform first unveiled publicly in November 2024.

Flight attendant Hsu Chia-lun (許嘉倫) told reporters that the new uniform allows for more flexibility as their work requires walking, bending and squatting frequently.

Hsu expressed gratitude for the labor union's efforts in pushing for the change and for the company's willingness to listen and implement the idea.

She was likely referring to the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union, which filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission under the Control Yuan over the dress code imposed on female cabin crew members of Taiwanese airlines in August 2023.

In its report issued in last July, the commission said requiring female cabin crew to wear skirts and heels at work, among other rules, violated gender discrimination provisions outlined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

The United Nations convention was codified into Taiwan's law in 2012.

Flight attendant Huang Hui-chen (黃慧甄) praised the new uniform for providing more warmth, noting that she often feels very cold wearing a skirt and stockings when commuting to the airport on the company's shuttle bus.

Meanwhile, a female passenger surnamed Shih (施) said it would be nice if other airlines follow suit, adding that the dress code of flight attendants should take into consideration their needs and the work environment.