Issue 6 - September 26, 2007

...the US Airways MEC Uniform Newsletter

What is the schedule for the fittings?
Fit sessions will take place in many key airport locations over many days, and were put together with the goal of making the process convenient, quick and simple for you.

Boston (BOS):

• Location: Old Administration Office (below gate B4)

• Dates: October 8 - October 19

Charlotte (CLT):

• Location: B - 11 Conference Room

• Dates: October 8 - November 2

Washington, DC (DCA):

• Location 1: Terminal B Conference Room

• Dates: October 8 - October 13

• Location 2: InFlight Crew Room

• Dates: October 15 - October 21

Las Vegas (LAS):

• Location: Y - Room

• Dates: October 22 - November 2

New York (LGA):

• Location: Next to US Airways Baggage Claim (outside Security)

• Dates: October 15 - October 26

London (LHR - Yes, London Heathrow!):

• Location: Queens Building, Room 0146, Ground Floor

• Dates: November 5 - November 9

Philadelphia (PHL):

• Location: Next to A-East Security Check-point

• Dates: October 8 - November 2

Phoenix (PHX):

• Location: Duty Room - Behind International Check-in (outside Security)

• Dates: October 8 - November 2

Pittsburgh (PIT):

• Location: Old Customer Service Break Room (end of B Concourse)

• Dates: October 22 - November 2

Times vary by day and location. Please check theHub or the awaCompass for more information.

LHR? Why are we doing fittings at Heathrow?
It's easier for our European-based employees to get nonstop flights on other carriers to Heathrow from the continent than to Gatwick. We chose the UK for our fitting because TwinHill has facilities there.

How do I set up an appointment?
The easiest way is to sign up online. You'll find a link on the uniform pages on awaCompass and theHub. This site has been cleared for access from crew rooms and you shouldn't have trouble accessing it on a company computer with Internet access.

What if I don't have access to a computer?
While we strongly recommend setting up an appointment online, but you may call toll-free 866-429-1026 from 7am to 7pm CST if you absolutely must.

What do I need to take with me to my fitting?
First of all be prepared. Know what you want to try on and know your size.

You'll have a 15-minute appointment to try on garments so know what you want to try on before you arrive. Make sure you've looked through the uniform catalog that will be available in your station no later than October 5. You can also view the catalog online at theHub or the awaCompass beginning October 1.

Accompanying the catalog and online is a size chart. Use this as a guide to estimate your correct sizes in advance of your appointment. Keep in mind that all garments are different so your new uniform may not be the same size as your current uniform or what you buy at the mall.

Do I have to make an appointment where I'm based? Or can I attend a fitting anywhere?
You can attend a fitting anywhere, no matter where you are based. The uniform team wants to make this process accessible and easy, with the goal of having everyone look their absolute best in the new uniforms.

Will walk-ins be accommodated?
Every effort will be made to accommodate walk-ins, but only on a space available, first-come, first-served basis. The best appointment times will go fast so be sure to make your appointment early. Keep in mind that appointments must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Why aren't you visiting any of the line stations?
Line stations were certainly considered during the planning stages of this process. The nine-city schedule turned out to be the best way to reach the most employees given our resources. We know it's not ideal for everybody but it meets the needs of the majority of our employees. We also chose the locations because of their accessibility from other points in our system; i.e., LHR for our European-based employees.

How can I attend a fitting at another station? Positive space travel?
Employees requiring travel will need to travel space available.

I remember hearing something about complimentary service at The Men's Wearhouse. Can't I just get fitted there?
If you can't attend a fit session at one of the nine locations, we encourage you to use the size chart accompanying the catalog or on awaCompass and theHub. It tells you how to properly measure yourself for the best fit. If you still need help, you can visit any Men's Wearhouse nationwide (women too). Their professional tailors will measure you free of charge. Remember, The Men's Wearhouse is only for measuring, not actually trying on the garments. That service is only available at a fit line.

How and when will I receive my new garments?
Your new uniform pieces will be shipped directly to your home by TwinHill around the middle of December, assuming you've placed your order by November 3rd. This should give you plenty of time to exchange anything that isn't quite right. All shipping costs for items ordered using your allotment will be covered by the airline.

How will alterations be handled? Am I on my own?
If you need any alternations for your new garments you have two options - take them to your favorite tailor, or take them to any Men's Wearhouse location (women too). The Men's Wearhouse has very competitive rates. Keep in mind the alterations must be consistent with your department's uniform guidelines and would be at your own expense (unless otherwise covered by a union contract). Go online at www.menswearhouse.com to find any of the more than 550 Men's Wearhouse locations throughout the U.S.

What will Airport Customer Service supervisors wear?
All Airport Customer Service supervisors will wear TwinHill uniforms. Shift Managers will wear their own business attire (guidelines for these will be provided by your department).

What about new hires? Will they get an allowance or will they need to pay? What if they just bought uniforms that will now be the old uniforms?
Any employee on active status as of October 7, 2007 will receive an allotment, regardless of their hire date. Any employee on active status starting October 8, 2007 will purchase their new uniform from TwinHill per their department's guidelines. The employee will be given a limited selection of the current uniform garments to wear until January 28, 2007 (changeover day) at company expense.

Are we getting new name bars and wings as well? What will they look like?
West Flight Attendants will get two of the nickel wings without names. East FAs will continue to use their current wings. West CSAs will get two name bars. East CSAs will get one name bar. Distribution of name bars and wings will be handled in a separate process aside from the TwinHill fittings but done at the same time so everyone will be in the new look on changeover day.

Why are the uniforms the same for CSAs and FAs?
As you'll see from the catalog that the best thing about this new uniform program is the large selection of items and colors from which you can choose. If we put CSAs and FAs in different uniforms we would have greatly reduced the options for the employees. We consulted with the 18-member employee uniform design team made up of customer service agents and flight attendants plus Customer Service and Flight Attendant management and union leadership on this issue. They all agreed that putting CSAs and FAs in the same uniform so that the employees could have the most options was the right decision.

When are we required to begin wearing the new uniforms to work?
The launch date for the new uniforms is Monday, January 28. This includes all mainline, PSA and Piedmont flight attendants and customer service agents.

• FAs: If you're flying a trip with an RON Jan. 27, you'll wear the old uniforms on the 27th and the new ones on Jan. 28th.

Your supervisors will ask you why if you're not wearing your new uniform on Jan. 28th, and then make a decision whether to allow you to work or return home.

I already know what size I wear. Why should I go?
The size you wear in your current uniform probably will not be the same size in the new TwinHill uniforms. For that matter, your retail clothing size may not be the same as the new TwinHill uniform sizes. However, TwinHill's sizing will be consistent within their own line. Having an idea of your measurements going into your fitting will be helpful, but there's no substitute for the advice you can get from tailors and other representatives who will be at your beck and call at the fitting. Think of it as having your own personal uniform consultants.

How long do I have to order my new uniform garments?
Participants in the fit sessions will be encouraged to place their order online within 24 hours of their fitting. This will allow for ample delivery time ahead of the January 28th launch date. The absolute last day you'll be able to order is November 3rd, unless you live in the EU who have until November 10th.

How will ordering online work? Is it quick and painless?
A link to the online ordering site will be announced and up on awaCompass and theHub around October 1. We trust you'll find the interface easy to use and the checkout process simple. This site has been cleared for access from crew rooms and you shouldn't have trouble accessing it. Also, this site will be used for ordering new garments at any point in the future.

How much money do I have in my allotment?
Allotment amounts vary by workgroup. Please refer to the uniform guidelines communicated by your department regarding allowable spending amounts. Also, when you log in to the ordering website the first time, you will see a credit amount in your shopping cart. The value of the credit is your allotment.

Can I purchase additional garments?
Yes. You can purchase addition garment once you've spent all of your allotment funds. The online ordering site will take credit cards.

Please note: Unused allotment funds cannot be applied towards the purchase of additional garments. Any unused funds will be forfeited.

What do the individual garments cost?
 

Will the website know what garments are mandatory for me to order?
No, so it's up to you to know what you're required to order and make sure that it's part of your order.

Customer Service Agents - you are required to order one belt. The only item you cannot order is a serving apron (for FAs only). If you work in a cold weather city (exact cites determined as "cold weather" still being determined) you are required to order one all-weather coat. If you work in a cold weather city, your allotment has been increased so you can order the all-weather coat in addition to your core uniform.

Flight Attendants - you are required to order one tie or scarf, two serving aprons, one belt and one all-weather coat. Otherwise, you can order whatever items you'd like. The only item you can't order is a polo shirt (sorry - for CSAs only).

Why do flight attendants get more than customer service agents?
Contractually, there is set language that governs the amount of uniform allowance. Also, flight attendants have some mandatory uniform pieces: two aprons, one tie or scarf and one all-weather coat. Additionally, all CSRs that work in a cold weather station (exact cites determined as "cold weather" still being determined) will be required to purchase an all-weather coat. Cold weather station CSAs will receive additional allotment funds to pay for their all-weather coats.

Will Express employees be wearing the new uniforms?
PSA and Piedmont employees will be in the same uniform because they are wholly-owned subsidiaries. CSAs of the other Express carriers will wear the same uniform as mainline, however they will not have access to the heritage shirts, ties or scarves. Non-wholly-owned FAs will have an approved generic navy blue uniform. The exact changeover date for non-wholly owned Express employees is still being determined.

What do I do with my old uniform pieces after January 28th?
You should remove all of the US Airways or America West branding from the garments, such as buttons, etc. You can then dispose of them how you wish, however, a local charity would really appreciate the donation. There will be no collections of old uniforms conducted by the airline.

The zipper on the ladies' dress is very stylish. But what do I do if my dress accidentally comes unzipped?
Our designer included an inner placket with hooks and eyes to prevent any "wardrobe malfunctions" as they call it in Super Bowl speak.

Will uniform guidelines be provided for the new program?
Yes. Guidelines are currently under development by both work groups and will be made available online and mailed out with your new uniforms.

Are there any restrictions about which items I can wear together?
There will be very few restrictions since the entire collection was designed to mix and match. The men's and ladies' vests, however, should not be worn under the jackets. They are intended to be standalone garments. Other minor details will be spelled out in the uniform guidelines.

Tell me more about Stan Herman, the designer.
Stan has been designing uniforms for over 25 years, but even before that was well known as a designer who prided himself on designing great fashion that was accessible to everybody. His uniforms have always combined design with function and comfort. His mantra: you should want to wear your uniform the same way you want to wear your own clothes.

How do you plan to publicly release the new program?
The collection was unveiled at US Airways Media Day, which was held in Tempe this past March. Since we're a low-cost carrier, we won't have a big, splashy event with runway models, but something will be done to celebrate on change over day.

How will alterations be handled?
The garments that are sent to you will be the size that fit you best at your fitting. No alterations will be made at that time, unless you choose to receive your pants pre-hemmed. If you need additional alterations, you can take your uniform to your closest Men's WearHouse and use the $25 TwinHill gift card issued to you with your uniform. Or, you can choose to have alterations made as you do now.

Will ties and scarves be required?
No, they are optional, unless you are working a transatlantic flight. The AFA has agreed that those flight attendants need to look a little "dressier".

I don't like drop-waist pants.
Remember these are not hip-huggers! They are just slightly dropped from the waist to add a little more relaxed fit and comfort through the waist and hips.

Why aren't there any pleated pants in the program?
Based on past data, the majority of orders from our employees were for plain-front pants.

I wear a larger size than most. How do you plan to address the needs of employees like me?
TwinHill offers a wide range of garments for our program. Ladies' tailored garments range from 00R to 34WT. Men's pants will range from 28S to 58L and coats from 34S to 62L. In some cases, employees may be considered a special size; those items will require a longer lead-time.

AFA MEC US Airways Uniform Chairs

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


LEC Chairs:

Heather Santello 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)