By Kim Jong-chan
Controversy has erupted over company dress codes for employees in the services sector.
Airline companies ask stewardesses to wear only shirts. Critics call the requirement discrimination against women, while proponents describe it as part of basic etiquette fitting to those working for companies in the services sector.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day which fell Thursday, the Women’s Committee of the Korean Federation of Trade Unions said dress codes at airline companies violate employees’ rights.
The committee called on them to make a dress code in consideration of personalities and human rights.
Asiana Airlines’ dress code requires stewardesses to wear knee-length skirts as part of their uniform.
The dress code also calls for manicures and yellow or pink nail polish.
Stewardesses are also banned from wearing glasses.