Bus drivers for the Brussels public transport authority STIB want the company to include a type of short pants in the uniform options open to personnel. Their call is being backed by the ACOD trade union, which represents most of the transport company’s personnel.
“We are not just talking about the drivers, but also the other personnel, such as the ticket inspectors, security staff and technicians,” ACOD unionist Mourad Essaouiki told the Brussels news platform Bruzz.
The STIB drivers point out that the Flemish public transport authority De Lijn and its Walloon counterpart TEC allow their personnel to wear short pants.
They also say that the busses’ large windows produce a sauna effect during high temperatures. The impact of the vehicles’ air-conditioning is moreover minimal because doors constantly open and close, letting in the outside warm air, the STIB drivers point out.
A petition urging the Brussels transport authority to include a short pants model in its range of uniform options has been signed by 1,000 people.
“I think that the petition could bring about a change, yes. If the demand for Bermuda shorts become high enough, the management may give in,” bus driver Dominique Bunch told Bruzz.
Linda A. Thompson
The Brussels Times
