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Delta Air Lines has amended its uniform policy, telling employees they can now no longer wear pins representing countries or nationalities that aren’t the US.
The change follows several days of controversy for the airline after its response to a customer who posted an image on X of two Delta flight attendants wearing Palestinian pins.
“Since 2001 we take our shoes off in every airport because a terrorist attack in US soil,” the user posted. “Now imagine getting into a @Delta flight and seeing workers with Hamas badges in the air. What do you do?”
While many users responded to point out the badge was a Palestine flag rather than a Hamas bade, Delta’s initial response drew criticism after a customer service representative wrote: “I hear you as I’d be terrified as well, personally. Our employees reflect our culture and we do not take it lightly when our policy is not being followed.”
Many users criticised the initial response from Delta, which subsequently deleted the post saying it “was not in line with our values.”
“We strive for an environment of inclusivity & respect for all, in our communities & our planes,” the airlines stated. “The employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels. We apologize for this hurtful post.”
Delta union warns pin debacle could be discriminatory
The Delta Association of Flight Attendants, a union representing many of the airline’s attendants and crew, had earlier authored a letter to CEO Ed Bastian on July 11.
The body asked for an apology for the since-deleted post and proposed a ban on unauthorized photography of flight attendants.
“Delta's social media responses showed contempt for current employees, and the subsequent lack of public response and concern for the safety of all crew members is unacceptable,” the letter stated, claiming that any case of targeting individuals based on nationality would violate anti-discrimination laws and encourage a hostile work environment.
“Delta leadership must publicly apologize to the targeted crew members, confirm that pins representing the flags of different nations are allowed per policy, and denounce the moderator's response,” it continued.
The letter argued that crew members have been wearing pins that reflect their heritage as a common practice for decades, indicating a “strength of diversity” at the company.
“At work, one’s humanity must remain intact,” the union said. “Everyone should be able to freely express their pride and support for their heritage without encountering hostility or discrimination from employers or customers.”
Delta says non-US pin ban will ensure “safe” working environment for all
But despite the union’s plea to continue allowing pins of different nationalities to be worn, Delta has banned all non-US-flag pins and implemented the amended uniform rule effective from Monday this week.
“We are proud of our diverse base of employees and customers and the foundation of our brand, which is to connect the world and provide a premium experience,” Delta said in a statement shared on Friday. “We are taking this step to help ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all.”
Despite rumors that at least one of the photographed flight attendants had been fired, Delta also clarified that neither employee had lost their job given the pins were not initially prohibited under its uniform support. “We’ve been in touch with them to offer support,” the statement said.
