Dear Members,
First and foremost I would like to introduce myself and my fellow colleagues representing the MEC of US Airways East and West. We are as follows:
Brian Morgan, MEC Uniform Co-Chair US Airways East. I am based in PHL Local Council # 70. I am a twelve-year Flight Attendant and have been the council #70's uniform chair for ten years. You may reach me at
BMorgan@afausairways.org
Candi Covelli, MEC US Airways Uniform Co-Chair East. Candy is based in PIT Local Council #40. Candy is a thirty three-year Flight Attendant and has served council # 40 in various capacities including the Safety Committee and Grievance Committee. You may reach Candy at
PIT40@afausairways.org or CCovelli@afausairways.org
It is my pleasure to introduce to the US Airways East family two wonderfully talented and hardworking Flight Attendants.
Robyn Walters, MEC US Airways Uniform Co-Chair West. Robin is based in PHX Local Council #66. Robin serves as Co-Chair of the Uniform Committee and has done so since its inception at America West Airlines two years ago. She also currently works with the Grievance Committee. You may reach Robin at
uniforms66@cox.net
Bob Spinner, MEC US Airways Uniform Co-Chair West. Bob is based in PHX Local Council #66. Bob also serves as Co-Chair of the Uniform Committee since its inception at America West Airlines two years ago. He was a member of the EOW team that qualified America West Airlines for the Hawaii service this December. He will also be a part of the team to perform the proving runs. You may reach Bob at
uniforms66@cox.net
Candi and I would like to thank both Robyn and Bob for their enthusiasm, hard work and friendship. We look forward to working with you both on this adventure into a new future for US Airways.
As the first of the target groups to meet with management, I was very impressed with the members that were involved and their desire and willingness to have online personnel involved from the inception. Ron Cole began the introductions and informed the MEC Uniform Co-Chairs that the company was looking to us to lead the way in the creation of a combined uniform. He made clear the desire of the company to move quickly on the new uniform with a goal of presenting to Sr. Management initial selections by late January 2006.
Ron Cole and Kevin Jackson presented the concept of the new US Airways look. They informed us the look will be "Corporate Casual" and will meet the "seven terms." The "seven terms" are:
1) Simple and uncomplicated
2) Fresh
3) Confident with energy
4) Comfortable
5) Present a friendly feel
6) Reliable in wear and quality
7) Value driven.
Your MEC Chairs were asked to present our concept for a combined uniform look with this concept in mind. We reviewed the pro and con's of our respective uniforms. We were asked to provide feedback and suggestions about concepts for a uniform utilizing the corporate casual branding. Many items were discussed including the importance of US Airways International presence and the need for maintaining a corporate look (tie option) for this market. However, a tie-less option may be the norm on all domestic flights. We also reviewed potential new casual shirt designs for both men and women. Keep in mind that a dress shirt is also being looked at for those who will be wearing a tie. Blazer and sweater options as well as the core shell of the uniform including color were also discussed.
All of the uniform items remain open for discussion. The current US Airways dress issue was heavily discussed with some potential solutions. The objective is to reduce unnecessary items that aides in the reduction of cost for stocking the uniform and enable the company to refocus those savings for a higher quality of uniform.
Kevin Jackson informed the MEC Chairs that the company had requested designs, materials, and cost samples utilizing the new image brand and the "seven terms." The vendors vying for this contract are: Cintas (US Airways current uniform vendor), Lion Apparel (US Airways previous uniform vendor and AWA current ramp vendor), M & H (AWA current uniform vendor), and Aramark (US Airways current ramp vendor). Samples from these companies are to be presented for consideration by November 30, 2005. A follow up meeting for this round table has been tentatively set for December 07, 2005 to consider these samples.
We are very excited that a new uniform is being developed and the request of Sr. Management that your MEC Co-Chairs be actively involved from the beginning. Please keep in mind that this was the first meeting regarding uniforms and nothing has been written in stone. All options and items are on the table for discussion. We ask that you stay informed via AFA e-line or through your local uniform representatives for additional updates as they become available. If you have questions or would like to voice your concerns or thoughts regarding a uniform issue please feel free to contact Candi or me at the above-mentioned emails. You may also go through your Local AFA council office. We look forward to hearing from you. Welcome Aboard.
AFA MEC Uniform Co-Chairs
Candi Covelli
Brian Morgan |
