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

Policy

Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Dec 25, 2024

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.

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Sialega-Fili aims to advocate for Polynesians' rights to express their culture freely: "It’s about fairness and equality for us Polynesians to be able to wear the honor and heart of our culture on our bodies."

Hawaiian Airlines responded that they do not comment on ongoing personnel matters but highlighted their standards requiring no visible tattoos for guest-interacting staff. The airline stated these policies are reviewed regularly as part of its integration with Alaska Airlines.

The incident has sparked discussions about cultural appropriation and respect for indigenous traditions, especially given Hawaiian Airlines’ promotion of "Moana 2," which features characters with significant tattoos.