By Kim Jae-won
Korea's human rights watchdog informed Asiana Airlines, Monday, that it should allow flight attendants to wear trousers at work.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said that ordering female flight attendants to only wear skirts constituted sexual discrimination, recommending the nation's second largest flagship carrier adjust its dress code.
"We concluded that the employer may not impose a certain dress code without violating employees' freedom of choice. Such discrimination must be ended," said the NHRC in a statement.
In response, Asiana said it will accept the recommendation.
"We plan to adopt the trousers option in our next uniform renewal. It will take time because we have to provide for thousands of employees," said Asiana spokesman Seo Ki-won.
The airline's trade union welcomed the decision but said it will watch the situation until its employees enjoy full freedom in dress codes.
"We want the company to reflect the recommendation fully. They should not give disadvantages to employees who opt to wear trousers," said Kim Young-soo, a union leader.
Asiana is the only airline which has kept the skirts-only rule for female cabin crew, according to the human rights agency.
Its bigger rival Korean Air allows its stewardesses to choose to wear either skirts or trousers.
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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said that ordering female flight attendants to only wear skirts constituted sexual discrimination, recommending the nation's second largest flagship carrier adjust its dress code.
"We concluded that the employer may not impose a certain dress code without violating employees' freedom of choice. Such discrimination must be ended," said the NHRC in a statement.
In response, Asiana said it will accept the recommendation.
"We plan to adopt the trousers option in our next uniform renewal. It will take time because we have to provide for thousands of employees," said Asiana spokesman Seo Ki-won.
The airline's trade union welcomed the decision but said it will watch the situation until its employees enjoy full freedom in dress codes.
"We want the company to reflect the recommendation fully. They should not give disadvantages to employees who opt to wear trousers," said Kim Young-soo, a union leader.
Asiana is the only airline which has kept the skirts-only rule for female cabin crew, according to the human rights agency.
Its bigger rival Korean Air allows its stewardesses to choose to wear either skirts or trousers.
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