First up is the luggage — all 24,000 flight attendants will get be getting spiffy new luggage this fall, including their choice of a two-wheel or four-wheel rolling bag, but new uniforms are still a few years out, with the airline targeting a launch in 2020. And that makes sense — following AA's massive uniform debacle, there's no doubt that United crew members, union workers and executives will follow this new development process closely.
Male flight attendant, pilot and customer service representative uniforms will be developed in partnership with Brooks Brothers, while their female counterparts will wear uniforms created by Tracy Reese. Meanwhile, ramp service, technical operations and catering employees will have uniforms developed by Carhartt.
It does appear that United's union partners will help oversee this 2+ year development process. Flight attendant union president Ken Diaz had this to say in an airline press release:
High quality, functional uniforms and luggage that flight attendants can be proud of contributes to how we feel about our workplace, our profession and our airline. Safety, health and functionality are fundamental requirements, too, and we appreciate the collaboration of United management with our union to roll out a uniform that meets all of these requirements and demonstrates the commitment to becoming the best airline in the business.
Representatives from all partners met with United employees at all US hubs over the past few months, and it sounds like front-line workers will be very hands-on through the anticipated rollout in 2020.
