- Conference
- 2016 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 15 October 2015
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that many women workers do not wish to dress in accordance with gendered stereotypes of what is ‘appropriate women’s dress’. Yet some employers continue to have dress codes with a number of gender-specific requirements.
Conference believes that arguments that some forms of gender expression are unprofessional, or societal norms dictate that certain items be restricted to only one gender, have been used for too long to shield bigots from criticism, pander to sexism and entrench specific conceptions of gender which have no place in a modern, progressive society.
Conference further believes that employers should only have dress codes that serve a legitimate purpose, such as maintaining a desired image with customers and clients, or aiding staff visibility, and this can be attained without gender-specific dress requirements.
Conference notes that while all workers are affected by these policies, some women and many non-binary workers find it difficult or impossible to follow a gendered dress code and be true to their own identity. Further, for trans women who are at the beginning of, or are considering social gender transition, the anxiety which often occurs around expressing your gender in a new way in the workplace, is compounded by the fear of being disciplined by management.
Conference believes that in uniformed workplaces with different versions of uniform available, staff should be able to choose from what has been historically defined as the ‘male’ or ‘female’ items without the need to explain why, in the same manner that a change in size is requested.
This would have benefits for many workers, including many women, those going through a formalised process of transition and those who have a gender expression that does not fit binary assumptions or stereotypes.
Conference therefore calls on the National Women’s Committee to work with the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Committee and other bodies in the union as appropriate to produce a best practice guide for branches on gender-neutral dress and uniform policy.
