China cabin crew bathing suit stunt slammed
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The decision to introduce a ‘bathing suit round’ into the Chinese cabin crew recruitment process has been slammed by the world’s largest flight attendants’ union.
China News reported last week that the beauty pageant-style contest was recently held at Qingdao University. But the concept has been severely criticised by the US-based Association of Flight Attendants’ (AFA) president, Sara Nelson, who called the practice “abhorrent”.
“If discrimination exists anywhere, it is a threat to women everywhere. This is not a fight just for the women of China. In this era of increased globalisation and trade agreements that pit American workers against these abhorrent labour practices, our union understands this very real threat to flight attendants in the US and around the world,” Ms Nelson said.
“We condemn those responsible for this publicity stunt at the expense of women everywhere. And we will engage with other unions, advocacy groups and anyone who defends equality to stamp out discrimination and the exploitation of women,” she added.
The cabin crew selection formed part of the annual ‘Face of Oriental Beauty’ contest organised by the university, which began in 2006. It was open to both female and male candidates.
In 2012, VietJet Air was fined by Vietnamese authorities for a publicity stunt that involved their cabin crew dressing in bikinis.
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