American Airlines faces backlash after introducing Black Lives Matter badge
American Airlines is facing backlash among workers after allowing its cabin crew to wear Black Lives Matter badges on their uniforms while on duty.
The commercial jet carrier announced on Sunday that it would be introducing the new policy across its fleet, but it has already run into fierce opposition among staff with some saying they are “completely disgusted” at the move, claiming that the BLM movement is divisive, promotes violence and is anti-police.
In a company-wide statement introducing the new policy, American Airlines said:
“Clearly we live in a time where it is so important to have a dialogue about this important issue of racism in our society and try to find common ground. American is truly committed to having an inclusive culture that is welcoming to all and a reflection of our country and world.
“This is why American is so committed to creating a more tolerant and diverse team. Through our partnership with American's office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we are continuing to work through an overall plan for addressing these issues in our workplace.”
It went on to say that a uniform badge, which is set to be designed by the company's Black Professional Network, was being introduced as a symbolic way of showing support.
But the move has sparked backlash, with one veteran flight attendant writing to American Airlines to complain. The email read:
“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. I am completely disgusted at the fact that we can't show support for our GOD, our COUNTRY, our LEOs but when it comes to BLM organisation (which is controversial in itself), American Airlines says that's obviously different.”
The backlash of the new policy has also spread among American Airline passengers who are now calling for a boycott of the company.
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