NMFA Article 12 language has been much of the same back to my 1988 contract book....the only changes over that time are in bold print on this post.
The Company has to submit to the IBT a sample of the uniform to be approved by the IBT because of the IBT logo being applied. They have to approve the uniform, and must be union made if possible....If we have to wear them, we should push the UNION MADE label to be applied....KK
ARTICLE 12. UNIFORMS
Before the Employer purchases uniforms, it must present a sample of the material for the uniforms to the Union for approval. If the sample material type is not used in the finished uniforms, the Union employees are under no obligation to wear the uniforms. The Union’s approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
The Employer agrees that if any employee is required to wear any kind of uniform as a condition of his/her continued employment, such uniform shall be furnished and maintained by the Employer, free of charge, at the standard required by the Employer. Said uniforms shall be made in the United States by union vendors, if possible, and will have the Teamster emblem appropriately applied. The Employer shall replace all clothing, glasses, hearing aids and/or dentures not covered by company insurance or worker’s compensation which are destroyed or damaged in a wreck or fire with company equipment.
The Employer has the right to establish and maintain reasonable standards for wearing apparel and personal grooming. The following provisions shall govern the wearing of shorts, unless the Employer and Local Union has a prior existing practice: During the period May 1, through September 30, employees shall be allowed to wear appropriate shorts, subject to the guidelines set forth herein. Appropriate shorts shall be defined as walking or Bermuda style shorts with at least two (2) pockets and belt loops and which cannot be shorter than two (2) inches above the knee, properly hemmed at the bottom and of a conservative basic solid color, (black, blue, brown or green). Socks and appropriate foot wear must be worn at all times. Short shorts, cut offs, unhemmed, athletic, gym, biking, spandex and calf length shorts shall not be allowed.