Train company Arriva’s dress code states skirts or long pants are acceptable, but not shorts.
In order to keep cool, more than a dozen male train drivers employed by Roslagsbanan train services in Stockholm, Sweden, have begun wearing skirts in work in order to stay cool.
According to The Telegraph, drivers were told at an employee meeting last year that skirts and long trousers were acceptable attire while working, but that “shorts were not allowed.” Martin Åkersten, one of the company drivers explained that temperatures in the train cab can reach 95 degrees in the summer.
The company has “given their blessing” to the male employees wearing skirts. According to Thomas Hedenius, the head of communications for Roslagsbanan said, “To say anything else would be discrimination.” He also explained that the “regulations were in place so staff looked presentable and tidy,” and that shorts appeared “more relaxed” than skirts.
Photo: Hunter-Desportes/Flickr
There is an aspect of discrimination law in the U.S. that I think is pertinent to the debate as to whether employees should be allowed to wear shorts and that is disparate impact. Preventing staff from wearing shorts, but not skirts would impact male employees to a greater degree than female employees. I don’t have a problem with the way that the conductors are conducting themselves. I don’t think the company is happy, but I think that they’re trying to see if it blows over like a battle of wills. I do worry though that if the concept of disparate… Read more »
I don’t care, there are also light trousers, I find it’s more the problem about using a necktie during hot summertime. A shirt closed up with a necktie is really uncomfortable during the hot season.
I wonder why there is no aircondition in the trains. All trains/buses/subways etc. – generally any public transport – in the country where I am living do have aircondition/heating.
arriva has now lifted the ban on shorts wearing, i wonder if any of the drivers will still continue to wear the skirts – that would be fun! A group of Swedish train drivers who began wearing skirts to work as a protest against their employer’s ban on shorts is celebrating after the company said it was dropping the policy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22847008 in the above article, there is a photo of one of the drivers wearing a skirt. the length of the skirt suits him. however as he is not familiar with skirtwearing he still wears standard ankle socks, and shoes… Read more »
Are you by any chance planning to write for this call? What Every Man Should Know… About Style: 6/29
thanks justin, however no im not.
for me, commenting is fun, article writing is not.
I must have the mind of a lawyer. My immediate reactions:
1. Is there a minimum length for the skirt? There must be. If shorts are too informal, just imagine how unprofessional a miniskirt would be.
2. Where does the company stand on skorts? Are they shorts or skirts?
Anyway, I like their solution. It’s creative and still holds to the rules. And, if women can wear pants, then surely men should be allowed to wear skirts.
I’m guessing in the winter months in Sweden this will NOT be such an issue….
arriva operate buses and trains in the uk too.
i wonder if more ‘devilish’ drivers in the uk, would do similar
They’ve got a point… when I see a man in a skirt I generally assume it’s a special occasion.