Worker may sue BA over cross
Updated on 14 October 2006
A BA check-in worker plans to sue the company after being told her crucifix breached company rules.
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A British Airways check-in worker plans to take legal action against her employers after they told her that wearing a crucifix breached company rules.
Committed Christian Nadia Eweida refused to remove the symbol - and was sent home on unpaid leave. BA said its uniform rules expressly banned adornments - although other religious items like veils, turbans and bangles were permitted.
Miss Eweida, 55, from Twickenham, told the Daily Mail newspaper: "I will not hide my belief in the Lord Jesus. 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."
A British Airways spokeswoman said: "British Airways does recognise that uniformed employees may wish to wear jewellery including religious symbols.
"Our uniform policy states that these items can be worn underneath their uniform. There is no ban.
"This rule applies for all jewellery and religious symbols on chains and is not specific to the cross.
"Other items such as turbans, hijabs and bangles can be worn as it is not practical for staff to conceal them beneath their uniforms."
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