Nelle Diala, a former flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, has sparked a debate on workplace policies and social media conduct after being fired for posting a twerking video on TikTok.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting Diala’s right to express herself and others arguing that her actions were unprofessional.
The Incident and Alaska Airlines’ Response
Nelle Diala, who had been working as a flight attendant for six months, posted a TikTok video of herself dancing in the aisle of an empty Alaska Airlines plane before a flight.
The video, which featured Diala twerking, was uploaded early in the morning while she was waiting for pilots to arrive. According to Diala, she was celebrating reaching the end of her probationary period and did not intend to be unprofessional.
However, Alaska Airlines deemed her video inappropriate and in violation of its social media policy. Without any prior warning or discussion, the airline terminated her employment.
Diala claims that she was not given a chance to explain her side of the story or defend herself before being let go. The airline’s swift action has led to questions about whether the punishment was too severe and if employees should have more clarity regarding social media policies.
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Alaska Airlines has strict guidelines regarding employee conduct, especially when it comes to representing the company in public spaces.
#WATCH: Alaska Airlines flight attendant gets fired for twerking on the job. pic.twitter.com/F8jXzo6lxM
— 6ixBuzzTV (@6ixbuzztv) January 16, 2025
While Diala may not have intended to harm the airline’s reputation, her video, which quickly went viral, brought scrutiny to both her and the company. As a result, the airline took what it believed was the appropriate action to maintain its professional image.
Diala’s Reaction and Public Support
Following her termination, Diala took to social media to express her disappointment and frustration. She emphasized that she never thought her video would cost her job and called out what she perceives as an overly sensitive society.
She argued that a “little twerk before work” should not be considered a serious offense, especially when it was done in a moment of joy and self-expression.
In an interview with Inside Edition, Diala defended her actions, explaining that she was merely celebrating a personal milestone and did not mean to be disrespectful.
She also shared her struggles, mentioning that she had endured personal hardships during her time at Alaska Airlines, including the loss of her two English bulldogs and difficulties in her relationship due to her demanding schedule.
Diala’s termination has sparked a debate online, with many people rallying behind her. Some argue that the airline was too harsh in its decision and that a warning or suspension would have been a more appropriate response.
Others believe that employees must adhere to workplace policies and maintain professionalism, especially when representing a company in uniform and on duty.
To help cope with her sudden job loss, Diala launched a GoFundMe campaign, stating that she was “wrongfully fired.” The campaign has gained traction, raising over $3,300 in donations from supporters who believe she was treated unfairly. She explained that her income was suddenly cut off, and she needed financial support while she figured out her next steps.
The Broader Implications of Workplace Social Media Policies
Diala’s case highlights the ongoing debate over social media policies in the workplace. As platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter continue to influence culture, companies are increasingly enforcing strict guidelines regarding employee behavior online.
While these policies are often designed to protect a company’s image, they can sometimes lead to severe consequences for employees who may not fully understand the boundaries.
Many workplaces have implemented social media policies that prohibit employees from engaging in behavior that could be seen as unprofessional or damaging to the company’s reputation.
However, these policies are often broad and open to interpretation, making it difficult for employees to determine what is acceptable and what isn’t. Diala’s termination raises important questions about the balance between professional conduct and personal expression, as well as the fairness of enforcement.
There have been other high-profile cases where employees have been disciplined or fired for social media posts. Some companies have faced backlash for being too lenient, while others, like Alaska Airlines, have been criticized for being too strict.
The challenge for employers is finding a middle ground that protects the company’s interests while also allowing employees some level of personal expression.
In Diala’s case, some argue that Alaska Airlines should have considered alternative disciplinary actions, such as a warning or temporary suspension, rather than outright termination. Others maintain that the airline had every right to enforce its policies to maintain professionalism among its employees.
The incident also raises awareness about the potential risks of posting work-related content on social media. Employees across various industries are now more conscious of how their online presence might affect their job security.
Whether or not one agrees with Diala’s firing, her case serves as a reminder that social media activity can have real-world consequences, even if the intent behind a post is harmless.
As Diala moves forward, she remains active on social media and continues to share updates with her followers. Whether she will take legal action against Alaska Airlines remains to be seen, but her story has undoubtedly ignited a broader conversation about workplace policies, employee rights, and the evolving landscape of social media etiquette in professional settings.
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