Ban on mandatory high heels takes effect, seen as victory vs. sexism and pain

A ban on the compulsory wearing of high heels in the workplace took effect Sunday, with a labor group hailing the Department of Labor and Employment's order a victory against sexism and pain.

Under Department Order 178, employers should implement the use of "practical and comfortable footwear" to improve the health of workers who stand for long periods, which applies to heels measuring 2.54-centimeters (one inch) 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," Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) spokesperson Alan Tanjusay told AFP on Monday.

"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 well-fitted and non-slipping; provide adequate cushion and support to the arch of the feet; either flat or with low heels that must be wide-based or wedge type," it said.

DOLE 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 labor department last month following complaints from saleswomen, hotel receptionists and flight attendants.

Malls are a mainstay in the country, mainly employing women as sales clerks, cashiers and so-called "promo girls."

Most of these women are short-term contract workers, Tanjusay said.

Under the department order female workers can still wear high heels if they prefer them, Tanjusay added. — Agence France-Presse