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BA suspends Christian worker

14/10/2006

British Airways has been accused of discrimination after suspending a Christian worker for refusing to remove a necklace bearing a small crucifix.

Check-in worker Nadia Eweida, who has worked at BA's Heathrow desk for seven years, has filed a complaint against the airline over the suspension.

She claims the suspension is discriminatory especially since the airline allows Sikh employees to wear traditional iron bangles and Muslim workers are permitted to wear head scarves.

But Ms Eweida was asked to remove the small cross or hide it under her clothing as it was regarded as decorative jewellery under BA's dress code.

"I will not hide my belief in the Lord Jesus," she told the Daily Mail.

"British Airways permits Muslims to wear a headscarf, Sikhs to wear a turban and other faiths religious apparel.

"Only Christians are forbidden to express their faith. I am a loyal and conscientious employee of British Airways, but I stand up for the rights of all citizens," the worker added.

Ms Eweida has been suspended with pay while she awaits a disciplinary hearing over her refusal to remove the cross. She is now seeking action against BA under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003.

Willie Walsh, BA's chief executive, has responded by saying that the employee has only been suspended for failing to comply with the dress code and is yet to be disciplined.

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