The selection of Halloween costumes by two local airport security employees isn't sitting well with a former Yukoner who was contacted by an upset relative living here.

The woman, who wants to remain anonymous to protect the identity of her relative, suggested Thursday the incident is akin to the recent furor facing the Royal Canadian Legion in Ontario.

The two employees spent the day at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport dressed in traditional ware from the Islamic region of northwest Africa, including swords and full head wraps hiding their identities.

Their choice of costume, she pointed out, comes at a time when the world is on heightened alert because of parcel bombs being shipped out of the Middle East.

The concerned caller did not think the costumes were appropriate for employees working at an airport, particularly while walking around on the tarmac when Air Canada Jazz was loading passengers.

"They should be reprimanded in some fashion,” she told the Star. "I don't think they should lose their jobs, but they should be reprimanded in some fashion.

"They are in a position of responsibility and they should not be doing that.”

Both employees, she added, are supervisors.

Yukon government spokeswoman Jennifer Magnuson said no complaints have been received by airport management or the Department of Highways and Public Works, which is responsible for managing the Yukon's airports.

The employees, whose identities are not being released by airport management, were simply enjoying the Halloween spirit, and didn't give their costumes a second thought, Magnuson said.

"Those staff members have been spoken to but they are not being disciplined,” she said. "Their intention was not to offend.”

She said they are aware now of the issue being raised, and will be keeping it in mind come next Halloween.

What may have been offensive to some, was apparently not offensive to all.

One local resident who was at the airport last Friday said the group he was sitting with and several others around found the moment humourous and had a chuckle when the two individuals walked in dressed in their costumes.

The employees are supervisory security staff and do not wear uniforms, so there was no issue of them being out of uniform, Magnuson said.

She stressed the men were wearing the proper identification badge required by all airport staff when they're on the tarmac.

Magnuson said one of the employees had just returned from a trip to North Africa, where he purchased some indigenous clothing.

One of the outfits, she said, was traditional to the nomadic Taureg people of North Africa and the other was Mauritanian in style.

One of the employees was scheduled for an interview with the Star this morning.

Magnuson said he was called to a meeting and was unavailable.

But the government did issue an official statement.

"Our employees considered this an opportunity to share with their co-workers the traditional attire and culture from northwest Africa,” said the prepared statement read by Magnuson. "The Department of Highways and Public Works promotes a respectful workplace and would never tolerate an employee who purposely acts in a discriminating manner and we regret any confusion or concern by any individual who felt offended.”

Meanwhile, the Legion is conducting an investigation into a Halloween party hosted by one of its Ontario branches.

The incident involved a man dressed up in a Ku Klux Klan outfit holding a noose around the neck of a second man who had painted his face black.