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Harrah's Policy on Appearance Draws Criticism

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – As reported by the Providence Journal: "What might be in store for people looking to work at the proposed Harrah's West Warwick casino?

"If the hiring is anything like what Harrah's has done at some of its facilities, cocktail waitresses would have to 'audition' for their jobs in swimsuits.

"Once hired, they would be required to wear makeup, mascara, lipstick, heels, and have their hair styled a particular way.

"If they got pregnant, they would have six months after giving birth to fit back into their pre-pregnancy uniforms.

"It's too early to say what Harrah's might require if the Rhode Island casino ever becomes a reality. But in recent years the Las Vegas company has instituted a number of rules for its workers across the country, dictating everything from the colors of lipstick and nail polish to the size of earrings.

"…One set of procedures required workers in contact with customers to be photographed at their 'personal best' and maintain that look. Deviation from the portraits were grounds for discipline or denial of raises.

"…Dale J. Venturini, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association, a frequent Harrah's critic, says some of the company's appearance standards go 'overboard.'

"…To help employees fit the Harrah's look, image consultants are hired, according to Kathy Wade-Yacoubian, Harrah's vice president of property, products and services.

"…Women's nail polish can only be red, clear, burgundy, pink or beige, according to the company's 2004 employee handbook. Nail art is prohibited.

"Cocktail waitresses at Harrah's Atlantic City -- as of June 2001 -- were required to wear their hair down. Ponytails, braids and buns were prohibited.

"…Harrah's does have an appearance policy for men, whose hair cannot extend below the shirt collar, fingernails need to be clean and neatly trimmed and no makeup is permitted.

"…The local chapter of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union has been silent on the policy. The union has been one of Harrah's biggest supporters, flying in casino workers to testify before the General Assembly on how great it is to work for Harrah's. But when asked about Harrah's policy toward workers' appearances last week, Alisa B. Gallo, the union's lobbyist, refused to comment…"

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