"UK airport worker loses cross case"

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

 

Airport worker loses cross case

Ms Eweida said she was standing up for her faith

A British Airways worker who claimed she was religiously discriminated against after being banned from wearing her Christian cross has lost her case.

United Kingdom – The BBC

Nadia Eweida, 56, from Twickenham, south-west London, said her BA bosses banned her from wearing a small cross around her neck.

But an employment tribunal said she had breached the firm's regulations without good cause.

In a statement the airline said it was "pleased" at the decision.

Miss Eweida said after learning of the judgment: "I'm very disappointed. I'm speechless really because I went to the tribunal to seek justice

It's not over until God says it's over Nadia Eweida

"But the judge has given way for BA to have a victory on imposing their will on all their staff."

She vowed to proceed with her case if her solicitor agreed.

"It's not over until God says it's over," she said.

The row began in October 2006 when Miss Eweida was told she could not wear the cross or hide it from sight.

Valued member

When she refused she was put on unpaid leave.

The company eventually changed their uniform policy and Miss Eweida returned to work in February 2007 and continues to be employed by the airline.

She has been on rest days this week, but will return to work on Thursday wearing her cross.

In a statement BA said: "We have always maintained that our uniform policy did not discriminate against Christians and we are pleased that the tribunal's decision supports our position.

"Our current policy allows symbols of faith to be worn openly and has been developed with multi-faith groups and our staff.

"Nadia Eweida has worked for us for eight years and continues to be a valued member of our staff."

 

image006.png