Issue 4 - July 29, 2007

...the US Airways MEC Uniform Newsletter

1) The reason we are not getting fitted in August is because we are in merger talks with United.

FALSE........I have no idea if the company is talking to another airline or not however, the reason you are not being fitted in August is that we had a few design issues that needed to be resolved so that all items would be available in their final form for the fit line.

2) Nobody liked the uniform and the company scrapped the whole thing.

FALSE........After the surveys were complete I am proud to tell you that 94% liked the uniform and have expressed great excitement to wear the new uniform.

3) They eliminated a bunch of the pieces and we are getting stuff similar to SouthWest.

FALSE........The committee has not eliminated any item in fact we have added a few pieces.

The above three rumors were the most notable that have been brought to my attention, but I am sure there are others out there. If you hear a rumor and want to know the facts give Candi or myself a quick shout. We'll let you know if it's fact or fiction. Your always more empowered knowing the facts than a rumor.

Now to the good stuff. When do you get to try everything on and pick your rock'n new ensemble? Well, I have the answer. As stated above due to a few issues with some of the pieces we had to move the fit line to October. We have scheduled the first three weeks in October in all eight bases for everyone to see the collection, try it on and have the very talented tailors fit each and every one of you so that when your items arrive at your homes you will be able to put them on and look like a million bucks for the uniform launch in late January 2008. A side note on the fittings......even though you may be based in DCA, for example, but live in New York you don't have to be fitted in DCA. If LGA is closer you can go there instead. The tailors will only need your name, employee number, base, and home mailing address to complete your fitting. Another example..... I am going to CLT for recurrent and I live in Denver, but I am based in BOS. Well, you can be fitted in CLT after your recurrent, your base of BOS, or if it is convenient for you you could grab a quick flight to PHX or LAS and have it done there.

Rouge - RED - rojo.....no matter what language you speak it's a color everyone wanted. I am excited to tell you that it will be incorporated into a new tie for the men and a new scarf for the women. With the addition of these new items that brings the scarves and ties to three styles each.

We also have finalized the winter coat design and the lite weight rain coat with hood. Both will be in black. Pictures of the coats are in the works and we hope to have them available on the HUB for you soon. In addition we are working on a single style cardigan for women of a heavier gauge than the one that is part of the twin set.

In May we completed our first wear test program and spent the month of June making some adjustments to a few items that we felt had a few issues. Some of the items that were adjusted were the neck line to the shell of the women's twin set.... lowered, the women's apron... completely re-vamped, neckline of the men's mock turtle-neck.... lowered, cuff on blazers... ribbon removed and replaced with corded braid, one piece dress... zipper dyed to match color of dress and modesty panel placed behind zipper. Many of these items are now going through our second wear test to ensure the product meets our needs. Also, the one piece dress is in it's second round of wear testing this time including larger sizes. Current sizes being tested are 4, 8, 12, 16, and 18. Initial feedback has been very positive in all sizes.

Questions and Answers:

1) With the new uniform will there be new guidelines on how to wear it?

Yes, the four members of the dual AFA uniform committee and the customer service group have already met with company officials to begin dialog on the Policy and Procedures regarding uniform guidelines. It will resemble the Impressions of Excellence booklet that we, on the East, currently have now. Thanks for your question.

2) I was told that you will not be offering pleated pants in the new uniform. Is that true? I don't wear flat front pants and I won't wear flat front pants.

I see London, I see France, I see......well you know the rest. That is true. The committee was informed during our last conference call that the company has chosen (insert scary music here) only flat front pants. The decision not to stock both styles, as we were told, was based on the surveys that were completed showing that the majority of men preferred flat front over pleated. With this knowledge please keep in mind the you may need to go up a pants size due to the loss of the extra material. Should you wish to express your displeasure with this idea click on the uniform link on the HUB and email your thoughts and suggestions. Thank you for your question.

3) I like some of the things from our current uniform and I was wondering if we would be allowed to wear them with the new uniform?

Sorry, but no you will not be able to mix and sort of match any of the current uniform pieces with the new uniform. I think the polyester blends would have an ugly throw down if mixed. Some time in December of 2007 we should receive the cut over date from inflight for the new uniform launch in late January 2008. Thanks for your question.

Well, that brings us to the close of another From The Hanger. On behalf of Candi and I, thanks for taking the time to be informed. Fly Safe and Fly Fast.

AFA MEC US Airways Uniform Chairs

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


LEC Chairs:

Heather Santello BOS council 69

Ian Daniel BOS council 69
Marianne Totin CLT council 89
Greg Knouse CLT council 89
Candi Covelli PIT council 40
Brian Morgan PHL council70
LGA council 82 - TBA
Sandy Needle DCA council 41

Stephen Smith DCA council 41

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