British Airways cross controversy
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British Airways cross controversy refers to a public dispute between British Airways (BA) and one of their employees over its uniform policy.
In October 2006, Nadia Eweida, a Christian employee of British Airways, was asked to cover up a necklace which depicted a Christian cross, and was placed on unpaid leave when she refused either to do so or to accept a position where she did not have to cover it up. Eweida planned to sue the airline for religious discrimination. Christian groups accused British Airways of double standards, as Sikh and Muslim employees are not prevented from wearing religious garments at work, since these are impractical to cover up.[1]
Eweida lost an initial appeal to her employees on 20 November, but publicly stated she would continue to dispute BA's policy, and that she wished to wear the cross to manifest her religion.[2]
The National Secular Society declared it sensible for staff handling baggage to be prohibited from wearing jewellery over their uniforms, suggested that Eweida was trying to evangelise in the workplace[3] and said that BA should have the right to insist that its uniform is neutral.[4][5]
BA announced a partial climb-down on November 25, announcing a a review of its uniform policy which could allow the wearing of a lapel badge. This followed pressure from the Archbishop of Canterbury who disclosed that the issue had been raised with the Church Commissioners, who look after Anglicans' financial interests.[6] The following day Eweida declared that this compromise was unacceptable to her.[7]
On November 28, Prime Minister Tony Blair publicly stated that in his view the issue was not worth BA fighting and that it would be best for the airline "just to do the sensible thing": i.e. allow the cross to be worn.[8][9]
On January 19 2007 BA announced that they would in future allow employees to wear a symbol of faith "openly" on a lapel pin, "with some flexibility ... to wear a symbol of faith on a chain".[1][2]
[edit] References
- ^ "Woman to sue BA in necklace row", BBC News, 2006-10-15. Retrieved on November 21, 2006.
- ^ "Woman loses fight to wear cross", BBC News, 2006-11-20. Retrieved on December 3, 2006.
- ^ "BA Should Not Be Bullied Over Jewellery Ban, Especially by Government Ministers", National Secular Society, 2006-11-22. Retrieved on December 1, 2006.
- ^ "Archbishop attacks BA cross rules", BBC News, 2006-11-21. Retrieved on November 25, 2006.
- ^ "Editorial: Christian Bullies Press Their Advantage", National Secular Society, 2006-11-26. Retrieved on December 1, 2006.
- ^ "BA's climbdown follows tirade from archbishop", Daily Telegraph, 2006-11-25. Retrieved on December 1, 2006.
- ^ "BA cross women vows no compromise as 92-per cent of public back her", ThisisLondon.co.uk, 2006-11-26. Retrieved on December 1, 2006.
- ^ "Blair chides British Airways for fighting employee over cross", The Guardian, 2006-11-28. Retrieved on December 1, 2006.
- ^ "Blair advises BA to end cross row", BBC News, 2006-11-27. Retrieved on December 3, 2006.
[edit] External links
