Tracy Sielega, a customer service agent at Hawaiian Airlines in Seattle, is set to finish her final shift with the company this Friday after being terminated for violating its tattoo policy. Sielega, who has worked for the airline for the past three years, expressed her deep disappointment over the decision, urging management to reconsider the policy that led to her dismissal.
The policy in question relates to the visibility of tattoos, which Sielega contends disregards the cultural significance of her traditional Samoan hand tattoo. Known as a tualima, the tattoo, which she received in May 2024, honors her father’s health journey and her own experience as his caregiver. Sielega, who had been covering the tattoo with makeup and disposable gloves while at work, explained its personal meaning, saying, “I got it done to embrace my culture, to embrace my dad and his health and everything that he’s struggling with, as well as my journey with having to care for him.”
According to Sielega, Hawaiian Airlines management was unaware of her tattoo until it was noticed during a non-work-related event. The company’s termination letter, which she shared with Hawaii Public Radio (HPR), confirmed that the tattoo was seen outside of work, triggering an investigation. The letter also emphasized that “disposable gloves are not considered an appropriate uniform piece.”
Sielega, who has expressed a strong desire to continue working for the airline, called on both Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines—its parent company—to rethink their tattoo policies, particularly in light of her cultural heritage.
The timing of Sielega’s dismissal coincides with Hawaiian Airlines’ promotional campaign for the upcoming film Moana 2, which prominently features a character who receives a cultural tattoo. The airline has also showcased the film with special airplane liveries featuring its characters. Sielega pointed out the contradiction, arguing that the airline’s tattoo policy fails to respect the significance of Samoan culture and beliefs.
Despite reaching out to Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague and contacting her union, Sielega has not been able to resolve the situation. The union representing Hawaiian Airlines employees, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, confirmed to HPR that it has filed an appeal on Sielega’s behalf.
In a statement provided to HPR, a representative for Hawaiian Airlines explained the company’s position: “We don’t comment on ongoing cases involving individual employees. Our employees are encouraged to maintain a professional personal appearance when at work. Those not in guest-facing positions, such as baggage handlers, cargo agents, and employees based at our corporate headquarters, are permitted to have visible tattoos that do not contain offensive language or images. Employees who regularly interact with our guests, such as flight attendants, guest service agents, and pilots, must not have visible tattoos as part of uniform standards agreed to upon hiring.”
The statement also acknowledged the cultural significance of tattoos in Hawai’i but emphasized the need for uniform standards to ensure that the airline respects cultural sensitivities worldwide. “We regularly review these policies and will continue to do so as we integrate with Alaska Airlines,” the statement added.
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