Airline Introduces Gender-Neutral Staff Policies To Move Towards A More Inclusive Workplace

An airline in America is looking to make a move towards a more inclusive workplace by introducing gender-neutral uniform policies.

The Seattle based Alaska Airlines is getting rid of ‘male’ and ‘female’ uniforms and allowing staff to wear makeup and nail polish regardless of their gender identity. 

Looking to have a holistic approach to inclusivity, they are also relaxing their rules on footwear, body piercings, tattoos, and hairstyles for all customer-facing staff. 

They will also be introducing pin badges stating a staff member's preferred pronouns. 

Alaska Airlines director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, James Thomas said: "I know firsthand what it feels like not to be seen, heard or able to bring your authentic self to work.”

"When I’ve experienced this, it didn’t feel great and honestly made it hard to come to work every day during those times, or to deliver my best work.”

While this is a positive step in the right direction, unfortunately, the move was in response to a complaint filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) back in May 2021. 

One flight attendant, Justin Wetherell, who identifies as non-binary, alleged that the airline’s gender-strict outfits led them to be misgendered at work.

The ACLU argued that the fixed ‘male’ and ‘female’ uniforms were a breach of Washington State law which prohibits discrimination on basis of sex.

In the announcement, Alaska Airlines said: “This is an important step on a continued journey to be more inclusive, and there’s more work ahead. We will continue to look at our policies, programs and practices to ensure we live our values and create a place where everyone feels they belong". 

One Washington-based customer service agent, Isaac, believed the move was a step in the right direction.

They said: “I accept he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/them/theirs. I feel that there has been greater awareness and sensitivity to personal pronouns, and I love that. 

“But I’m also cognisant that changes take time and I want our society to feel comfortable with how they view and communicate with me".

Alaska Airlines has been noticeably conservative; however, this latest move is in response to growing calls for changes for staff in recent years.