British Airways worker loses discrimination case over cross

A British Airways worker who was suspended for wearing a cross around her neck to work has lost her case alleging religious discrimination.

Nadia Eweida, 56, from Twickenham in south-west London, took her case to an employment tribunal after complaining that a manager had banned her wearing the Christian symbol.

But the tribunal in Reading rejected her claim yesterday on the grounds that she had breached the firm’s regulations without good cause. The tribunal, under its chairman, Robin Lewis, said yesterday: “The complaint of direct discrimination fails because we find that the claimant did not, on grounds of religion or belief, suffer less favourable treatment than a comparator in identical circumstances.”

Eweida, who turned down an offer of £8,500 from BA to settle out of court, said she was disappointed by the decision but would fight on. “I’m speechless really because I went to the tribunal to seek justice,” she said. ” I cannot be gagged about my faith. It’s not over until God says it’s over.”

Following the dispute, British Airways revised its guidelines and now allows a limited number of religious symbols to be worn.

Responding to the decision yesterday, 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.”

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