Atlanta, Georgia-based Delta Air Lines announced in a press release Thursday afternoon that, effective immediately, employees who cover same sex partners under the carriers healthcare plans will not have to pay any state or federal tax associated with the coverage. The airline says that it will pay those taxes retroactive to Jan. 1, 2015 and will continue to pay them from here on out.
“While this issue remains unsettled on a national level, Delta’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and respect is rooted deeply in the airline’s values and culture,” said Joanne Smith, Delta’s Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. “By providing equality in this critically important area of benefit costs for employees with same-sex domestic partners, we will continue to build a great place to work.”
This news comes as many U.S. states begin legally recognizing same sex marriages. In addition to this announcement, the airline participated in a brief with the Supreme Court to encourage the national recognition of same sex marriages.
