Courts / Ireland / Report

Cabin crew manager loses claim that Aer Lingus uniforms 'sexualise' female attendants

Summary

Elizabeth Barry, a cabin crew manager, claimed Aer Lingus' 2020 uniform design, created by Louise Kennedy, sexualised female attendants by requiring high‑heeled shoes and nylons, and that it was less practical than the male uniform. She argued the uniform's jacket sleeves, cardigan, and blouse holes exposed skin and were humiliating. Barry also alleged a 50% pay cut during Covid‑19 was unlawful. The Workplace Relations Commission rejected both the discrimination and pay‑cut claims. The airline said Barry had not raised concerns internally, that extensive staff consultation and wearer trials had informed the design, and that the uniform's features did not constitute discrimination. The commission found no discrimination and dismissed the pay‑cut claim, noting the pandemic's impact on employment contracts. The decision was issued on 8 December 2022.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cabin crew manager loses claim that Aer Lingus uniforms 'sexualise' female attendants. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 28 October 2020 Other
• 2022-12-08 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report