Virgin Blue's crew brand glam new uniform 'unsafe'

MELBOURNE: It seems Virgin Blue's flight attendants are not so happy with their brand glam new uniforms. They have recently complained that the polyester uniform was making them uncomfortable and unsafe.

One of the main problems with the uniform is a hangover from the era -their 100% polyester lining -along with ill-fitting designs, reports The Daily Telegraph.

An email obtained by the paper revealed that staff were suffering from discomfort and 'very painful' rashes as a result of the uniforms and suggested they wash their uniforms with fabric softener before wearing them. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has received at least four complaints from Virgin Blue staff since the uniforms were unveiled three weeks ago.

A flight attendant, who did not wish to be named, said she felt the airline had put fashion ahead of comfort and safety. "In an emergency these garments will be a hindrance, as the arms cannot be lifted above shoulder height due to the ill-fitting design," News.com.au quoted her, as saying. "And in the event of a fire, being 100% polyester it would be like having plastic melted on to the skin," she added. A male staff member, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, has also lodged a complaint with CASA. "With the men's shirts I keep getting rashes on my neck constantly. It is from the fabric - it is a polyester blend," he said.

However, a Virgin Blue spokeswoman told the paper that the airline had undertaken thorough research into the fabric used and the safety and durability of the uniforms was paramount during the design and manufacture process.