Worker still cross despite airline’s uniform U-turn (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Worker still cross despite airline’s uniform U-turn

9:00am Saturday 27th January 2007 in

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A check-in worker at the centre of a row with British Airways over wearing a cross on a chain while she works said she was happy the airline had seen sense and is set to modify uniform rules.

British Airways (BA) announced it was changing its rules to allow staff to wear a symbol of faith, openly ending a row with Nadia Eweida, from Twickenham.

Miss Eweida challenged the company for not allowing her to wear a cross around her neck while working at Heathrow Airport.

But she said the issue has not been fully resolved, as BA has yet to confirm her return to work and deal with the pay she lost while she was on unpaid leave.

After a review of uniform policy, involving representatives from the Church of England, the Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain as well as staff and customers, BA said individuals should be allowed flexibility to wear symbols of faith on a chain.

Willie Walsh, BA chief executive, said the company had found itself at the centre of a hot social issue and the modification of policy would enable staff to wear symbols of faith openly without detracting from the uniform.

He said: "Some respondents believed that limiting the change to a pin would not satisfy all Christians.

"For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain."

Vincent Cable, MP for Twickenham, who has supported Miss Eweida in her case, said he was delighted the airline had seen sense.

He said: "This was a confrontation which could have been avoided and has seriously damaged BA's reputation.

"Considerable credit is due to Nadia who showed courage in fighting the case when her job was on the line."

Miss Eweida thanked Dr Cable, the public and the media for their support during her battle and said she was hopeful she could go back to work.

She said: "There are issues to resolve and they have not confirmed I can go back to work. It is not as simple as it appears to be.

"I received a dubious letter inviting me to an interview and suggesting the situation hadn't changed and I could work in recruitment. I'm just waiting now and I am in talks with the union to try and get back to work sooner.

"BA also has to resolve my pay. I have been forced to take unpaid leave and that has to be resolved."

OUR PREVIOUS STORIES

- Cross row woman 'dubious' over BA's uniform rethink (December 2006)
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