[VaughnT]

I've been put in the unenviable position of writing a letter, call it a petition, to our company's regional manager to see if we can get our dress code amended to allow transport crews to wear BDU's instead of polyester slacks which don't hold up to the rigors of the work we do. The points I'd like to stress are:

Durability: polyester pants are better suited to mall security, not armored car work where you are moving around a lot. Tons of sharp edges in our trucks.

Appearance: professional, yet not SWATish. You can look good in BDU's even if your not in the military.

Appropriate to the work: the rigors of the job are fairly similar to what you see in the military. The Fed spent a lot of money to find a pattern that allowed freedom of movement and lasted through a good bit of abuse.

Cost: we would agree to buy our own BDU's or let the company buy your poly's (which they already do). The more folks that want to wear milspec trousers, the more money the company can save.

Antiquated code: the rulebook as a whole is very poorly written. It is full of holes, inconsistencies, double-standards and typos. Pointing out that it needs to be updated and revised might allow us to work in a new pant style/option.

Basically, I'm trying to figure out how to format the letter/petition so that it is professional but not judgemental or hostile. A large percentage of the fellas agree and want a better pant, so we have a chance.

Any thoughts? Done this before? Should it be very formal like a legal declaration, or more subdued?

I'm dyin' here, folks. Lend a hand, please.

[Blackhawk]

Criticizing what's being done now (e.g., "antiquated code") is always a bad idea for more than a couple of reasons: (1) you're criticizing some muckity-muck's pet idea, (2) complainers SELDOM understand what they're complaining about.

Don't express subjective opinions like "BDU's look professional." BDU means Battle Dress Uniform, which smacks of paramilitary or worse. Just enclose pictures of what you're suggesting they switch to along with data about durability, etc. Let the reader conclude that they look professional.

Don't get seduced by your own idea. Look at what other companies use, e.g., UPS, USPS, etc. Uniform makers love to sell their stuff, and they've figured out far more about work pants than most will ever know. Seek and get their recommendations.

IOW, do the company's research, propose a solution, back it up, and present convincing facts such as the workers are willing to spring for a better solution.

THEN, the reader's going to be asking "why?" That's the time to point out a few drawbacks about what's being worn now.

Good luck! :D