That's up to the SPC and the MEM reps. In DTW, you would be asked to do some task other than picketing (uniform inspections, leaflet distribution, etc...). Take a look at our pictures from the DTW picketing event. Not a one of our pilots in the line is wearing a leather jacket, and every single one of them is wearing a hat. It presents the image of a unified front. Anything that breaks that image is not desirable.
Can't particapte becuase of wearing a company uniorm? nice. What other conditions are required to be in the club?
As far as MEM. I think that council is going to need all they can get.... choosing whether a pilot fits the inner clique defintion might hurt your numbers.
I'd rather see 100 pilots with and without hats and jackets and blazers than 40. This is MEM.
No, I simply don't have the means of communication to spread the word to pilots from other airlines of what our uniform standards will be for the event. It's difficult to even spread the word to other airlines that we're even having an event, let alone what the dress code is. (For the record, the pilot from another airline that picketed in leather in DTW expressed his regret for not having his blazer with him. He was unaware that we preferred the blazer.)
And I got compliments when I showed at two others... Choose your battles. This isn't one in my opinion. Your effectiveness in numbers exceeds the need of uniform details.
That is one argument they use, but they also say that "the public doesn't care." "I look just as good without the hat." The exact same sentiments that you express about the leather. You claim that the hat is effective, and I claim that the blazer is also. It's the same argument, just about a different item of clothing.
However you are letting your personal opinon clout your arguement. The public doesn't mind the leather. And the fact that more and more legacy airlines are going leather counters your arguement.
One thing you can't dispute: since the days of the Pan Am flying boats, air line pilots have worn the same basic uniform. White shirt, tie, hat, and blazer. You want to regress to the times of the air mail pilots when they wore leather jackets out of necessity. Do you also want to start wearing a long scarf and goggles?
I argue that the leather works because it blends the past and works for the future.
At many companies, not wearing the hat is also approved by the company. Despite that, you still argue that wearing the hat is important. Your argument lacks consistency.