Fit for the runway: We begin testing new uniforms
Last year we announced new partnerships with Tracy Reese, Brooks Brothers and Carhartt — best-in-class fashion and apparel designers — to help reimagine uniforms for more than 70,000 of our employees. Focusing on high quality fabrics, improved breathability and overall enhanced fit, our goal is to design and develop a more cohesive collection that looks good, feels good and enables employees to perform at their best on behalf of our customers.
Ramp Service
"I'm excited for United employees and customers to see the designs we've been hard at work on, and for employees to begin to wear-test these new looks to test their fit and function. I've traveled the world with United to meet with thousands of employees to better understand their job duties and hear first-hand what is needed in a uniform so that these women look and feel good, but most importantly – perform at their best," said Designer, Tracy Reese.
We're now ready to share images of uniform designs we will test at multiple times over the coming year.
Our employees and unions were an integral part in every step of the new uniform creation. This included input from our employee design committees as well as 17,000 survey responses, 35 in-person focus groups, 25 observations at 25 airports around the world.
"From inception of its new uniforms for above the wing and below the wing groups, the IAM has worked in partnership with United to help create uniforms that employees find comfortable, functional and stylish. United's commitment to be inclusive and reflective of its entire workforce is evident in the thoughtful choices of the exceptional designers and manufacturers — Tracy Reese, Brooks Brothers and Carhartt, " said Maria Tusa, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 141 Vice President East.
"My involvement with the uniform program has been very productive and eye opening. Being asked to represent our coworkers and having the Company ask, 'OK what are you looking for in a new uniform?' is very refreshing. All of our suggestions have been written down and given the attention they are due. It is amazing how many steps are involved in putting together a new uniform. A uniform that is not only functional and comfortable but stylish and will reflect the image of United. It has been wonderful working with employees from across the system and putting our thoughts and ideas into action. The brands that we are partnered with are absolutely unbelievable. The designs from both brands are well equipped to launch us into the future of United Airlines. They are poised to give instant recognition to our customers the minute they see our new uniforms," said Danny Lopez, Dulles Customer Service Representative.
Our new uniform design will have a base color, Rhapsody Blue, to ensure all of our work groups look like one team while pops of color inspired by our new color palette will accentuate each design and easily differentiate each work group for our customers. From new patterns to colored inseams and kick pleats, our new uniforms will be uniquely United.
"These designs represent months of collaboration with United's front-line employees to develop a uniforms program that the United team will be proud to wear. Uniforms are such a critical part of employees' work lives, so no stone was unturned as we created these designs with enthusiastic employee input. This includes high quality fabric, improved breathability, enhanced fit and pops of color. We will continue to refine these garments based on feedback following the upcoming wear test," said Brian Lane, Brooks Brothers Designer.
More than 1,300 pilots, flight attendants and customer service representatives will soon begin wear testing pieces, which will focus on the fit and function of each garment and will not include the new color palette, to ensure the proposed uniforms meet the needs of day-to-day duties. These images are not a full representation of the final uniform program – we'll continue to refine designs based on employee feedback.
Read more of what our employees and Union leaders are saying about the new uniforms below:
United employees can learn more on the uniform designs by visiting Flying Together.
We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 th through October 15th and take the time to recognize the important contributions of our colleagues of Hispanic descent in the United family.
This year, we hosted virtual events organized by our multicultural business resource group UNITE to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, covering topics ranging from immigration reform to Hispanic leadership. We're also taking a moment to highlight Latinx employees nominated by their peers for their contributions both at and outside of work.
These nominees have demonstrated leadership in their position and through their character. Take a moment to read their own words about how their background and heritage plays a role in the way they interact with customers, in how they support their colleagues and why it brings valuable perspective to their work.
Vania Wit – VP & Deputy Counsel
"I am the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel in the legal department. I am an attorney and have worked in the legal department for over 21 years and am currently responsible for a number of different legal areas – such as litigation, international, commercial and government contracts, labor, employment and benefits, antitrust. I have the privilege of working with a tremendous team of attorneys who are directly leading and managing these areas. One of the things I like most about my job is simply getting to know the backgrounds and personal stories that everyone has about their paths to United or their passion for the industry. Being the daughter of immigrants from South America and growing up in a family who relies heavily on air travel to connect us to our close family and friends is an integral part of my story and what drew me to this industry and this company."
Kayra Martinez – International Flight Attendant, FRA
"I love that my work as a flight attendant brings me all over the world and allows me to connect with diverse people across the globe. Because of my Spanish heritage, I've been able to use my language as a way to connect with passengers, crew members and people from every nationality. In addition, my heritage gives me a very close connection to family, creating community and using inclusion as a way to bring people together. After transferring to Europe, I was able to study German, more Spanish, Italian and Arabic. Outside of work, I'm the director and founder of a nonprofit organization that empowers refugees through art. Hundreds of children and adults fleeing war-torn countries have found healing through my art workshops. These refugees are currently displaced in Greece. Their stunning paintings are then sold in art galleries and communities around the world, raising awareness and putting income directly into the hands of refugee artists."
Adriana Carmona – Program Manager, AO Regulatory Compliance
Harry Cabrera – Assistant Manager, AO Customer Service, IAH
"My desire to help people is what drove me to start my career in Customer Service over two decades ago. Currently I provide support to our coworkers and customers at IAH , the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. As a Colombian native celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, I'm proud to see the strength that my fellow Latinos forge every day at United Airlines. Family values are a cornerstone of the Latin community; I consider my coworkers to be part of my extended family. Mentor support throughout the years gave me the opportunity to grow professionally. The desire to do better and help others succeed is part of that heritage. I collaborate with our Latin American operations and create ways to improve performance. No matter what language you speak, the passion for what you do and being approachable makes the difference in any interaction."
Juciaria Meadows – Assistant Regional Manager, Cargo Sales
"During my 28-year career, I've worked across the system in various frontline and leadership roles in Reservations, Customer Service and Passenger Sales in Brazil. I moved to the U.S. in 2012 to work as an Account Executive for Cargo. It did not take too long for me to learn that boxes and containers have as much a voice as a passenger sitting in our aircraft. My job is to foster relationships with shippers, freight forwarders, cosignees, etc. and build strong partnerships in fair, trustworthy and caring ways where United Cargo will be their carrier of choice. That's where my background growing up in a Latino family plays an important role in my day-to-day interactions. I've done many wonderful sales trainings provided by United and my academic background , but none of them taught me more than watching my parents running their wholesale food warehouse. Developing exceptional relationships with their customers, they always treated them with trust and respect. They were successful business people with a big heart, creative, always adding a personal touch to their business relationships and I find myself doing the same. It's a lesson that is deep in my heart."
Shanell Arevalo – Customer Service Representative, DEN
