Title
Online Uniform Program
History
Through a collective bargaining agreement, the Public Works Department budgets annually for uniform purchases for employees represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Previously, the uniform purchase program involved the engagement of multiple vendors that provided a variety of uniform options (i.e. pants, shirts and outerwear) for staff. Uniform orders would be delivered to the village then sent out to a third-party screen printing company and finally returned to the village to be distributed to staff.
The program process was onerous and highly decentralized, as it was managed separately by multiple division supervisors, making the program difficult to administer with consistency. Staff members frequently voiced concerns that the process was cumbersome and wait times on orders were excessive.
In an effort to implement a more centralized and efficient uniform purchase program, staff began exploring alternative options for administering the uniform program. One best practice option that proved successful in the fire service arena was the utilization of an online ordering format that placed the selection and ordering of uniform items in the hands of the individual employee. Employees are provided a set stipend and are allowed to purchase uniforms online using a digital voucher. The program is completely managed online, requiring little interaction from supervisory staff. Unique Apparel Solutions (UAS), Elk Grove Village, IL, provides online uniform ordering services for a myriad of fire departments in the region. Public Works was approached by UAS and a cost comparison was completed to verify competitive pricing. The decision was made to beta test the program in the fall of 2015. Public Works was UAS’s first municipal (non-fire service) customer.
UAS partners with name-brand wholesale clothing manufactures (Carhartt, Dickies and Key) to provide employees with an assortm...
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