American Airlines’ decision to allow crew to wear Black Lives Matter badges has upset some employees

AA allowing staff to wear ‘Black Lives Matter’ pins creates stir.

 

American Airlines is allowing its employees to wear badges supporting the Black Lives Matter movement after seeing workers from other carriers do the same.

 

While many employees support the move and are now proudly wearing the badge, some have voiced their displeasure that there is no similar option to back law enforcement.

 

In an email obtained by the New York Post, one American Airlines employee said, “I take offense to this. Serious offense. My husband is a LEO (Law Enforcement Officer), as was my deceased father and as far as I’m concerned ALL LIVES MATTER.”

 

Many employees claim the airline is playing politics by selecting which symbols to allow employees to showcase whilst in uniform.

 

However, the carrier has hit back, saying Black Lives Matter is about equality, not politics.

 

“It doesn’t mean other lives don’t matter,” the airline said in a statement. “Rather that in our society Black lives should matter and be valued the same as others.”

 

The airline plans to introduce a uniform pin designed by its Black Professional Network, but until then, its allowing employees to wear their own personal BLM pins

 

“Our Black team members saw the Black Lives Matter pin being worn at other airlines and companies and asked if they could do the same,” said airline spokeswoman Sarah Jantz.

 

“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.”

 

Other pins that are permitted to be worn by AA crew include ones supporting LGBTQ+, veterans and Christians.