Air Traffic Control Manager Prohibits Kilt

[macwilkin]

Utilikilts serve a special niche for me: in 1988 (if memory serves) for our first Tartan Day...

The first Tartan Day (in the US) wasn't until 1998. It was actually started in Canada in the late 80's - early 90's.

T.

[Scott Gilmore]

The first Tartan Day (in the US) wasn't until 1998. It was actually started in Canada in the late 80's - early 90's.

That must be it. A simple typo. Must say, I'm relieved.

I've been using e-mail and posting on international chat groups since 1987.

I do not doubt you.

I'm not arguing that e-mail was unavailable in 1988, just that it is unlikely (but not impossible) that an international e-mailing campaign was responsible for the result the author of that anecdote relayed. As cajunscot said above, most likely the author simply made a one-digit error and typed 1988 rather than 1998. That would make much more sense.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

[Wompet]

As a uniformed government employee, I do have to say that if a dress code is in place, you have to abide by it.
BUT looking at some of my fellow employees, whose dress code is "business casual," a kilt would be a definite improvement.

If you're determined to address this issue, there are a few threads here you can check - search for "kilted" and "work." Confirm, if you can, that the no-kilt rule is a local policy (if it's national, you're sol). Find out which airports allow kilt-wearing, and what those ATCs did to get it allowed. Once you have all your facts together, present your case to your supervisor. After that ... well, I don't know how things work at the FAA, so you're on your own.

Just a thought - it occurred to me, after re-reading your post (you "decided" to wear your kilt to work) - did you ever wear your kilt to work prior to the new dress code, or was the first time after the dress code went into effect? If it was the latter, your supervisor may have seen your kilt not as acceptable business casual, but instead as you mocking the new guidelines. Something to consider.