Image via WikipediaA dispute at Thai Airways over a requirement that flight attendants meet weight and shape standards has sparked a debate over how important appearance is for the job.
Under the weight-loss rules, which the airline believes will help it increase passenger numbers, female attendants have to keep their Body Mass Index (BMI) below 25 points and their waistlines no more than 32 inches, while males must keep their BMI to 27.5 and waistlines to 35 inches.
Over a year ago, staff was given six months to lose the necessary weight and the company organized dietary and fitness advice to help.
Tests this spring saw 41 of the 6,000 flight attendants fail to pass the new standards, resulting in disciplinary proceedings.
Those who failed the tests were shifted to domestic routes while flight attendants unable to comply after a year have been told they will be transferred to ground services.
While the attendants have accused Thai Airways of discrimination and of violating their rights, the company doesn't understand the furore its decision has caused, saying the move was necessary to maintain weight standards.
The attractiveness of its flight attendants gives Thai Airways a competitive advantage over its rivals, said Teerapol Chotechanapibal, vice-president for products and customer services.
http://mb.com.ph/node/320437/fat-attendant
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