Female staff at the Perth Mint might be banned from wearing underwire bras
In an attempt to boost security, the Perth Mint is considering a ban on all clothing containing metal, such as underwire bras.
However, one union has labelled the proposal a “disgrace” and “an attack on women's rights and an attack on women”.
The proposal comes after a recent review found a need for metal-free clothing for staff and contractors who access high-security zones.
The review identified a number of issues, including a case where a staff member allegedly stole a gold bar worth $50,000.
Perth Mint’s General Manager Human Resources, Jane King, said that so far employee feedback had been “overwhelmingly positive”.
“The feedback from our 240-strong workforce to this proposal has been strongly supportive,” King told The Western Australian.
“The proposal to introduce metal-free clothing was driven by our desire to improve security at Perth Mint, and will not threaten the integrity or privacy of staff.
“As always, we will incorporate staff feedback into our final decision making and continue to keep the workforce in the loop.”
King said the Perth Mint were considering two options.
The first involved employees wearing metal-free uniforms, including non-wired bras and pull on pants, which would be worn all the time.
The second option would involve staff changing into a non-metal clothing such as tracksuits when leaving security checkpoints, which was normally set off by underwire bras, zips and metal buttons.
This option would involve a scanner checking their clothes for precious metals.
Workers would change back into their own clothing after clearing the checkpoint.
According to the Perth Mint, visitors won’t be affected by the proposed ban.
However, Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union state secretary Steve McCartney said the union met with the company last week to raise concerns that the rule unfairly targeted women.
"We think it's a disgrace," said McCartney.
"It's without any real science behind it and without any real discussion.
"I'm pretty sure they could find the technology that excludes women from having to go through this embarrassment.
"We think it's an attack on women's rights and an attack on women."
