May 8, 2006 at 12:00 AM
The cut-over to new uniforms at Air Canada and Jazz has not been without difficulties. The CAW representatives on the uniform committee have expressed disappointment with several aspects of the new blue uniform. The fabric is considered a ‘tropical’ weight and may not wear well in a northern climate and demanding work environments.
There have also been problems correctly sizing employees for their new uniforms. The new blue uniforms are more form fitted which is unlike the old green components that were comfortable for most employees. As the company refused to do a sizing road show at all but the largest bases, this will cause more employees to return pieces for resizing and alterations than should have been necessary. Employees will receive the final allotment of new uniform pieces such as cardigans this summer. The shirt fabric may also change. If it does, employees will be sent a new allotment of shirts in the permanent fabric.
Alteration / Resizing Process
The CAW’s representatives on the uniform committee wish to advise employees to return any pieces to VF Imagewear that need alteration or resizing. However, employees should note that VF will only cover the cost of alterations under the following conditions:
- Alterations will only be done once, and only on the initial allotment. Subsequent or replacement pieces should be ordered in the altered size. Alterations will only be done to resize the garment, not to change its design. As well, items can only be exchanged once for a new size.
- VF will not alter or exchange any garment that has been worn;
- May has been defined as a transitional month with both the green and blue uniforms in use. Air Canada has stated they expect all employees to outfitted in correctly altered garments for full cutover to the new blue uniform on June 1, 2006.
Employees must contact VF by phone or email prior to returning uniform pieces for alteration or exchange. Information on the initial free allotment of as well as prices to purchase extra components is noted on the VF Canada web page. Contact information for VF is as follows:
Toll Free: 1-800-811-3500
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: http://aircanada.vfimagewear.com/
Employees may also visit one of the VF Canada offices to be measured by a seamstress. No appointment is necessary.
YUL: 2032, 32nd Avenue, Lachine, QC. (Mon. – Fri. 0800-1600)
YYZ: 6355 Cantay Road, Mississauga, ON. (Mon. – Fri. 0800-1630)
YVR: 6001 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC. (Mon. – Fri. 0800-1630)
New Uniform Warranty from VF Imagewear
All garments and accessory items are warranted by VF within one year of purchase against defect in materials and workmanship. If a garment or item fails due to manufacturing or fabric defect, VF will repair or replace the item. Repairs due to accidents, improper care or negligence where VF is not at fault may be performed at a reasonable charge.
The warranty begins on May 1, 2006. If the employee receives their uniform after May 1 the warranty will begin from the date the uniform was received. While the warranty is stated in general terms it should include circumstances similar to the following:
- linings that fray, shred or shrink;
- collar laminations failing (i.e. puckering) or incorrect interfacing of collars with uniform pieces;
- buttons that crack, break or split;
- defective fabrics (tearing, snagging, pilling) or failure of fabrication such as fraying at the seams or cuffs, or failure of the fabrics at the elbows, knees or between the legs, and;
- the bleeding of colours.
Comments on either the uniforms or issues surrounding their delivery and correct sizing can be forwarded to the CAW representatives on the uniform committee: Louise Saurino and Nick Petrella at [email protected] / [email protected].