Philippines bans compulsory high heels

MANILA: The Philippines has bannedcompaniesfromcompelling women to wear high heels to work under a government order hailed by a labour group yesterday as a victory against sexism and pain.

The labour department order took effect on Sunday as the government took up the cudgels for long- suffering shopping mall clerks, hotel receptionists and flight attendants.

Employers should implement the use of “practical and comfortable footwear” to improve the health of workers who stand for long periods, said the order, which applies to heels measuring 2.54centimetres or higher unless the employee chooses to wear them.

“It’s a form of torture. It’s a form of oppression and slavery. Imagine having to endure that pain for eight to 10 hours a day,” Alan Tanjusay, spokesman for the Associated Labor Unions, told AFP.

“It’s also a form of sexism because culturally employers say women wearing high heels look taller and sexier and are then more attractive, more effective in selling products. They don’t know the women are suffering.”

The department order said female sales clerks and security guards who had been compelled to work in high heels suffered from sore feet, aching muscles and “hazardous” pressure on joints.

“These (work shoes) should not pinch the feet or toes; are wellfitted and non- slipping; provide adequate cushion and support to the arch of the feet; either flat or with low heels that must be widebased or wedge type,” it said.

The labour department also ordered companies to give these workers rest periods or seats to reduce the time they spend standing or walking.

Tanjusay said unions lobbied the labour department last month following complaints from saleswomen, hotel receptionists and flight attendants. — AFP