Queens Staff Hot under the Collar
over New Dress Code
A new personal-appearance policy at New York’s Queens Borough Public Library has prompted some staffers to complain that the rules target women unfairly and smack of sexism, according to the August 2 New York Daily News. Employees can no longer wear miniskirts, sandals, blue denim, T-shirts, or fleece to work; exposed tattoos and visible piercings are also banned, and skirt hemlines must cover the thighs.
Library Public Relations Director Joe Catrambone told the Daily News a dress code had been in effect since 1993, but the administration thought a “clarification” was in order. However, Queens Library Guild Local 1321 President John Socha contends officials “unilaterally changed” the policy. “The change was made July 1,” he said. “People had already bought their summer outfits. In order to meet the standards, women have to pull out their winter dresses.”
“I’m not pleased about it,” Assistant Coordinator for Cataloging Jane Jacobs said. “It’s like they want to turn back the clock.”
Posted August 5, 2002.
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