The case of a Calgary woman who quit her WestJet job after the company asked her to change her hairstyle is renewing a debate on workplace dress code policies.
Janet Moore decided to leave WestJet after she was forced to choose between her hair and the job she loves. The 64-year-old sports a short, spiky hairdo that’s dyed in shades of blonde and brown.
Moore said she was surprised when the company asked her to change her hairstyle, as she has always worn her hair that way.
“I was shocked, at first I thought it was a joke,” she told CTV Calgary “I had the same hairstyle when I was interviewed, offered the job, and trained.”
She acknowledges that the company didn’t fire her; it even offered to work with her to find a new style. But she felt offended and decided to quit.
WestJet spokesperson Robert Palmer said he couldn’t comment on the specific case, but said the company has always had a dress and appearance code.
The company’s staff manual calls for employees to have natural looking nails, free of colourful polish, as well as natural looking hair colour.
Palmer said the company is going to be updating its uniforms in the New Year, and will be pushing again for adherence to its dress and appearance policies.
“We’re using the opportunity, I think, with the refresh of our uniforms coming in the New Year to get back to the dress and decorum standards that we’ve had in place for some time,” he said.
