Ex-Emirates staff say 'fat police' monitored crew members' weight

Former Emirates airline staff have claimed that the company regularly monitored their weight as part of an in-house "weight police" checking whether cabin crew were deemed "suitable for work".

The ex-employees said they could be be referred to an "Appearance Management Programme" if they had gone up a dress size, or could even have wages cut or be sacked over their appearance.

The UAE's national carrier allegedly told staff members that the monitoring was to ensure that they presented a "glamorous Emirates face" for customers.

Former employee Karla Bayson told Insider this week that workers were told to "lose it" if they had gained weight, and that some colleagues were suspended from duties over their weight.

"If they see you popping out from the uniform, they’re going to put you on the ground," Bayson said.

The strict rules allegedly also applied to recently pregnant mothers, who would be taken off duties until their weight was deemed acceptable.

Another former employee, Maya Dukaric, said the company’s "weight police" would warn crew members over their weight at airports by saying: "Hey babe, you need to slow it down."

Following the Insider story, an Emirates spokesperson said in a statement sent to news outlets:

"As a global airline, we treat the wellbeing of our employees with the highest priority, and we believe being fit and healthy, both physically and mentally, is a critical aspect in them carrying out their duties safely and effectively. 

"It may not always be apparent to our customers, but the responsibilities of our cabin crew are vast, and their ability to influence and achieve safe outcomes when needed, requires extensive training and a minimum standard of physical fitness.

"We're proud of our colleagues who form Emirates' cabin crew: who provide unwavering, exceptional service and who help maintain the safety and quality of operations and service Emirates is known for. 

"We do not comment on internal policies or procedures or specific, confidential cases of existing or past employees."