Alaska Airlines Employees Dismissed for Challenging Equality Act Support Face Appeal
Two former employees of Alaska Airlines, terminated for criticizing the company’s backing of a controversial legislative proposal, are now seeking a reversal of their dismissal in a new appeal. Represented by a legal organization, Marli Brown and Lacey Smith claim they were wrongfully fired in early 2021 after expressing their opinions regarding the airline’s support for a bill that would extend federal antidiscrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Details of the Appeal
The appeal, recently submitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, asserts that the plaintiffs were punished for simply sharing their views on an internal, employee-only platform. According to legal representatives, the airline had fostered an environment that encouraged open discussion among staff on its private network. When the airline communicated its endorsement of the legislative proposal, both employees posted comments based on their personal religious convictions.
One employee expressed sincere concerns that the proposed legislation could adversely affect women, girls, and people of faith, while the other questioned whether the company could effectively regulate moral standards.
Following these remarks, their union representative alerted management, and company leaders reportedly disparaged their religious beliefs before moving to terminate their employment. Legal counsel for the plaintiffs argued that penalizing employees for their religious views is both alarming and unjust, and they are urging the appellate court to overturn the earlier ruling by a district judge.
Company’s Position and Legal Proceedings
Alaska Airlines is among numerous businesses that have publicly supported the passage of the legislative proposal, which its advocates claim is necessary to safeguard LGBT employees in workplaces that may lack explicit protections. Opponents, however, argue that the measure could generate a challenging environment for business owners who uphold conventional perspectives on marriage and gender roles.
In earlier legal action, discrimination complaints were filed on behalf of Brown and Smith with a federal agency. After the agency issued them a Notice of Right to Sue, the two women proceeded with their claims. In a decision made by a U.S. District Court judge, it was stated that the airline’s actions did not offer direct evidence of religious discrimination. The judge remarked that the company’s response to the incident was a reasonable business decision, particularly given the challenging working conditions typical in the airline industry.
Looking Ahead
Legal representatives remain determined to hold both the airline and the pertinent flight attendants’ union accountable, arguing that American workers should not face repercussions based solely on their beliefs. The appellate effort now rests in the hands of the Ninth Circuit, as advocates continue to challenge the decision that upheld the terminations.
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