Tracy Sielega, a customer service agent at Hawaiian Airlines in Seattle, is speaking out after being terminated for violating the airline’s tattoo policy. Sielega, who has worked for the airline for the past three years, was informed of her termination on her last day of work, Friday. She says her Samoan hand tattoo, a traditional tualima that honors her father’s health journey, was the reason behind the decision.
While Sielega was aware of the company’s tattoo policy, which requires employees to cover up visible tattoos during work hours, she says she complied by covering her tattoo with makeup and disposable gloves. She explained that she got the tattoo to embrace her culture and honor her father’s struggles, and she feels that she shouldn’t have to be embarrassed to showcase it.
The airline’s termination letter, which Sielega shared with Hawaii Public Radio (HPR), states that the company was unaware of the tattoo when Sielega got it in May 2024. The letter claims that the tattoo was seen outside of work at a non-company event, prompting an investigation. It also mentioned that disposable gloves are not considered an acceptable part of the uniform.
Sielega, who describes working for Hawaiian Airlines as a dream job, is asking the company to reconsider its policy. She pointed out that Hawaiian Airlines has a longstanding connection to Samoan culture, as her mother also worked for the airline when they lived in the islands.
Her termination coincides with the airline’s promotion of the new film “Moana 2,” which features a character who gets a cultural tattoo. Hawaiian Airlines has been using the film’s themes in its promotional efforts, including by featuring airplane liveries showcasing characters from the movie. Sielega believes that the airline’s tattoo policy contradicts the company’s cultural promotion, specifically with regard to Samoan tattoos.
“If we as an airline and as a company can use our culture for promotional purposes, why can’t we wear it as employees?” she asked. “I think it’s something that needs to be changed to better support our culture and beliefs as Polynesians.”
Sielega reached out to the airline’s new CEO, Joe Sprague, and contacted the union for assistance, but her efforts were unsuccessful. The union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, has filed an appeal on her behalf.
In response to Sielega’s case, a Hawaiian Airlines representative stated that the company does not comment on individual employee cases. The representative explained that employees are encouraged to maintain a professional appearance, with visible tattoos only allowed for non-public-facing roles, such as baggage handlers or cargo agents, as long as the tattoos are not offensive. Employees who interact with customers, such as flight attendants and guest service agents, must not have visible tattoos as part of their uniform standards.
While the airline acknowledges the cultural significance of tattoos in Hawaii, it emphasized that these standards are in place to respect the sensitivities of passengers from diverse cultures. The airline also stated that it regularly reviews its policies, especially as it integrates with Alaska Airlines.
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