China's Hainan Airlines recently announced a new weight policy for its employees, specifically addressing its flight attendants. The airline requested that they maintain a certain weight, emphasizing the importance of upholding the company's standards of representation and service excellence.
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As part of the new weight policy, Hainan Airlines has implemented regular weight monitoring for its employees. Those exceeding the desired weight by 5% will undergo monthly assessments, while a deviation of 5%-10% will require daily weigh-ins over a month.
The weigh-ins take place in the company's offices or designated field stations, overseen by three examiners. Crew members exceeding the weight equation by 10% or more will face immediate suspension from flight assignments until they achieve a "normal" weight.
It's important to note that these regulations only apply to cabin crew members, not pilots. The policy came into effect on June 4 and, predictably enough, social media did not take kindly to the new "girthy" guidelines.
CNN recently reported a response from the company addressing the weight policy controversy. In their statement, the company emphasized that their weight reference program "applies to all genders and is not intended to discriminate against employees."
The company said that: "The program is based on a normal body-weight ratio, aligned with health standards. The regulations aim to assess the crew's health, physical condition and posture, promoting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a professional appearance."
The airline's rationalization notwithstanding, critics argue that the policy unnecessarily burdens staff in an already challenging work environment, excludes individuals based on weight, promotes unhealthy practices and jeopardizes livelihoods.