Delta changed its policy over flag pins, telling staff they are "increasingly leading to confusion" as to whether they represent advocacy.
Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
Delta Air Lines flight attendants are disputing the airline's change in policy for pin badges.
It follows a social-media incident after cabin crew members were pictured wearing pins with the flag of Palestine.
When an X user reposted the photos and called them "Hamas badges," Delta's official account replied: "I hear you as I'd be terrified as well, personally."
Delta deleted the response and apologized last Thursday, adding that the employee responsible no longer works on its social media channels.
On Wednesday, we removed a reply that was not in line with our values. We strive for an environment of inclusivity & respect for all, in our communities & our planes. The employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels. We apologize for this hurtful post.
— Delta (@Delta) July 11, 2024
Then, from Monday, Delta changed its policies so that flight attendants could only wear US flag pins.
This prompted an outcry from the Delta Association of Flight Attendants — a group that has been campaigning for union representation since 2019.
It launched a petition on Saturday calling for a public apology and a reversal of the policy change.
In a video, Delta flight attendant Rasaq said: "For decades, flight attendants industrywide have worn flag pins as a symbol of our role connecting the world and connecting different cultures."
"This policy removes our right to express ourselves and does nothing to face the real problem, harassment," he added.
Flag pins were especially common with Emirates cabin crew — highlighting that the Dubai-based carrier employed people from 140 nationalities — until a 2017 controversy over Taiwanese flag pins.
Delta told employees in an internal communication seen by Business Insider that its current pin policy prohibits advocating for positions or causes other than those sponsored by Delta.
"Throughout the world, nationality/country flags are increasingly leading to confusion about whether they represent advocacy for or against positions or causes," it added.
In a statement shared with Business Insider, Delta said: "We are proud of our diverse base of employees and customers and the foundation of our brand, which is to connect the world and provide a premium experience.
"We are taking this step to help ensure a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all," it added.
