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Bra-size controversy leads to lawsuit abroad

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Bras and bra sizes might not be the first thing that pops to mind when one thinks of labor disputes.

In Sweden, however, a former employee of the lingerie company “Change,” backed by the force of Commercial Employees’ Union (Handelsanställdas förbund – Handels), is suing her former employer for having to wear a name tag displaying her bra size while at work.

According to The Local, the union considers the bra name tag — which displays the wearer’s bust and cup size — to be discriminatory and announced on Tuesday their lawsuit demanding that “Change” pay 300,000 kronor ($43,410) to the complaining former employee.

“Our union member has experienced something offensive and discomforting in the wearing of such badges. For her, bust size is deeply personal,” union spokesperson Jannika Fahlander said.

In addition to the compensation for the former employee, the union is pushing for 100,000 kronor (about $14,500) for what they say was a breach of their “collective agreement.”

The tags were introduced three years ago, and according to the CEO of Change, Susan Haglund, they are there to help customers deem the best size for themselves based on the staff’s size tags.

”I don’t get why this would be seen as demeaning in any way. I am sure there are those that feel that way, but it is completely voluntary to wear a name tag with your cup size,” Haglund reportedly told Sveriges Radio last year.

While “Change” says that the tags were voluntary, The Local reports that the former employee — who worked there for a year and a half — says that it was a rule.

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Tags : sweden
Caroline May