Hawaiian Airlines faces criticism over employee's dismissal due to Samoan tattoo

Tracy Sialega-Fili, a Samoan-American former employee of Hawaiian Airlines, is seeking greater cultural understanding after her termination due to a traditional Samoan tattoo. Employed for nearly four years as a customer care representative in Seattle, Sialega-Fili was dismissed in early December when the airline discovered her tualima, a hand tattoo symbolizing family and heritage.

Sialega-Fili told Simple Flying that she got the tattoo in May 2024 to honor her father, who is battling severe health issues. "My Tualima symbolizes the journey I've been on in caring for my dad," she said. Despite adhering to company policy by covering her tattoos at work with makeup and gloves, Sialega-Fili's tattoo was noticed during an event outside of work. Following an inquiry and hearing by Hawaiian Airlines, she received a termination notice at the end of November.

The airline's policy prohibits visible tattoos for employees in customer-facing roles but allows them for non-public-facing staff like baggage handlers. Hawaiʻi Public Radio noted that disposable gloves were deemed inappropriate uniform pieces by the company.