A Hui Hou

On August 9, 2021, Hawaiian Airlines CEO Peter Ingram announced a company-wide vaccine mandate. Unlike most airlines, the mandate afforded NO testing option after January 4, 2022, and no consideration for natural immunity. While the company may issue the edict, the law is clear. The airline must offer reasonable accommodations for religious and medical reasons.

 

From the beginning, the process for seeking accommodations was stacked against Hawaiian employees. The airline issued “cookie cutter” denial letters that refuted the sincerity of employees’ religious beliefs. Those with “approved” religious beliefs were still denied because the airline claimed the accommodations would result in undue hardships for the company.  Those with legitimate disabilities were told that they must get the vaccine, no matter their medical providers’ guidance.    Hundreds of employees were left with the choice of a 12-month unpaid leave of absence with no benefits, forced retirement, or termination. 

 

Knowing that the company was not acting in good faith, we came together to take a stand for our civil rights. Our group joined hands with Airline Employees 4 Health Freedom to create a chapter specifically for the harmed at Hawaiian Airlines. We will continue our fight until all who are  entitled a reasonable accommodation are free from Hawaiian’s draconian mandate and are returned to work.  This is good for the employees and the people of Hawaii.  It is truly in the spirit of aloha.