American Airlines Allows “Black Lives Matter” Pin for Front-Line Staff

American Airlines says they will allow their front-line staff, including flight attendants and ground agents, to wear a “Black Lives Matter” pin on uniforms while at work. The carrier says they are working with their internal Black Professional Network to create a custom design.

As a matter of policy, American Airlines says they will allow employees to wear a “Black Lives Matter” pin on their uniforms. USA Today reports the Fort Worth-based airline is working with their internal Black Professional Network to create a pin unique for airline employees to wear at work, should they so desire.

New Policy Promotes “Equity and Inclusion For All.”

In June 2020, as the Black Lives Matter movement was re-ignited, the airline issued a press release noting the steps they were taking to ensure equality inside their workplace. Working with their black team members and those involved with the Black Professional Network employee group, leaders at the airline sent a letter to all employees “outlining the next steps and increase its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Now, the carrier is taking it one step further by allowing employees to show their support for the cause on their uniforms. In a statement to USA Today, the move is directly in response to employees asking if wearing pins would be allowed.

“American Airlines believes in equity and inclusion for all,” the airline said in a statement to USA Today. “In light of the appropriate attention to lives of Black Americans, we will allow team members who wish to wear a Black Lives Matter pin to do so if they choose.”

The move follows Delta Air Lines, which has taken a lead in supporting the “Black Lives Matter” movement. After a black passenger said she felt harassed by someone at her seat-row for wearing her, USA Today reports she was upgraded on her return flight, and given an official pin from the airline.

Move Not Entirely Popular With All Airline Employees

Although both American and Delta are standing behind their minority employees, not all flyers are thrilled with the plan. According to e-mails seen by the New York Post, some of American’s workers have expressed frustration with the move.

The complaints viewed by the newspaper include accusations that the movement is controversial, with one employee allegedly calling the movement a “terrorist organization.” Despite the reported complaints, American will move forward with the pin design. In the meantime, employees are allowed to wear their own pins supporting the cause.