Issue 7 - June 2006

...the US Airways MEC Uniform Newsletter

As many of you know, the initial uniform prototypes were not well received (ok even I am laughing at that) and thus sent the committee back to the drawing table. The process was long and tedious for the marketing division who is now heading the committee. ALL possible avenues were considered and reviewed. The final and what has been deemed as the best possible decision is to hire a designer.

Ok, people get hold of yourselves and stop that screaming, jumping around and applause. The designer that has been chosen is American designer Stan Herman. Grab a cup of tea, sit and lets chat about Stan. Some of you may recognize Stan Herman's name, but for those of you who do not, here is the low down. Stan Herman is an experienced retail and uniform designer, especially for the airline industry. Current programs include JetBlue since the airlines inception and FedEx for more than 25 years. Past projects include PanAm, TWA, and United Airlines. Stan also operates ladies' boutiques in New York, NY. If you would like to learn more on Stan Herman go to a favorite search engine and enter his name in the search field.

Take a moment to get your calendars, schedules and date books because you are going to want to jot these dates down. The uniform committee will be doing a road show/meet and greet in our three largest hubs during the month of June. The purpose for this will be for the committee to take notes of your concerns and thoughts for functionality concerns. We will introduce all of you to Stan Herman and the other members of the committee that represent the flight attendants. A brief introduction and progress report will be made followed by some words from Stan Herman. You will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. I would like to suggest that you consider writing some of your thoughts down as well as these events are expected to draw a large crowd and the committee will not be able to answer everyone during the time that has been allocated to the road show. The date for the road shows are:

• June 19 (Monday) PHX- 8:00am - 11:00am PT
  

• June 20 (Tuesday) PHL- 1:00pm - 4:00pm ET
  

• June21 (Wednesday) CLT- 9:00am - 12:00pm ET

Many of you have asked "when are we actually going to get the new uniform?" Well, and the answer to that is when you deposit one million dollars in unmarked bills in my offshore Bahamian bank account. Seriously, here is a TENTATIVE time line for the next, count them, 12 months.

As mentioned above we will do the initial road show next month June 2006. Design sketches (initial and revisions) approximately August 2006. Sample garments produced, first pictures on the HUB and your initial feedback approximately October 2006. Sample modifications based on employee feedback approximately November 2006. An employee road shows to present the garments approximately December 2006. Wear testing of the new garments approximately January and February 2007. Production of the final garment selections (which takes 6-9 months to manufacture) will lead us to the new supercalifragilisticexpialidocious uniform that will be available for an airplane aisle near you approximately August 2007. So there you have it. Keep this near and dear to heart just in case you need a quick uniform pick me up.

Now for the MYTH BUSTER portion our e-line. This isn't really a myth but more of a correction to an update that was sent out earlier this month regarding the seasonal uniform modification. The statement was made that "All ties/neckwear are optional October 30, 2006 (date coincides with wearing jackets). This last statement currently applies to America West flight attendants only as the blazer is an optional item for US Airways flight attendants at this time.

And now Questions from the Audience:

First Question: Instead of wasting money on new uniforms why can't we just give the America West flight attendants our uniform. It would save a lot of money and time.

Answer: Well, first I wouldn't say that to loudly as you might be dragged into a dark corner and never heard from again. Second, how could you be so cruel as to suggest dressing our new family members in something this old. (Just kidding....no I'm not.....yes I am.....not really). Now to finally answer your question. The company had already allocated the funds, early in the merger process, for a unified look for all uniformed employees which the uniform committee will be held to tightly. The new uniform is also being created to promote pride, family and strength in our new and revitalized airline not only with in the employee groups, but to the traveling public. This is an opportunity for the new US Airways to present itself to world with our best foot forward, heads held high and to hear "WOW! Look at the employees of US Airways!" Now there is the GLAMOUR! Thanks for your question.

Second Question: Is it true that the new uniform will only offer flat front pants for men? I cannot wear flat front pants. Please, I am begging you to add pleated pants to the uniform.

Answer: Beg, crawl , grovel at my feet. For I am the Uniform.....oh, sorry. I got caught up in the excitement for a moment. It is true that the committee had suggested to only go with flat front pants for both men and women, however after some discussion the powers that be have considered to look into the price points of having both options. If you can make on of the road shows in June I would strongly suggest that if this means as much to you as it sounds that you express your concern at that time or send a friend to on your behalf. Thanks for your question.

That brings us to the end of another "From the Hanger." I hope that you had as much fun as Candi and I. We look forward to seeing all of you at one or all of the road shows. Just a side note to the Candi and Brian Uniform Fan Club. Candi and I will do our best to meet with you after the road show for cookies and Kool-Aide. Fly Fast and Fly Safe.

Candi Covelli CCovelli@afausairways.org
Brian Morgan BMorgan@afausairways.org

AFA MEC US Airways Uniform Chairs

LEC Chairs:

Heather Santello BOS council 69
Scott Haskell DCA council 89
Marianne Totin CLT council 89
Greg Knouse CLT council 89
Candi Covelli PIT council 40
Brian Morgan PHL council 70
To Be Announced -LGA council 82

(To reach your local council representative please contact your local LEC office)