BA cross woman makes final plea

8:55am Monday 4th December 2006

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THE British Airways check-in worker banned from wearing a cross to work faced a final appeal against the decision today.

Nadia Eweida, 55, has been on unpaid leave since October when bosses told her to remove the cross because it flouted the company's uniform policy.

She refused to comply with the firm's request that she should wear the necklace out of view underneath her uniform, accusing them of religious discrimination.

Ms Eweida, from Twickenham in south-west London, lost her first appeal last month but today had one last chance to fight her case.

She will now have to wait a week to hear from the airline whether she can return to her old job.

British Airways has already announced a review of its policy after coming under fierce attack from church leaders and politicians.

The review will look at how the rules can be adapted so symbols of faith could be worn openly. Options suggested include allowing religious symbols to be worn as small lapel badges.BA chief executive Willie Walsh dismissed accusations that the company was anti-Christian but said the debate had forced a review of the policy.

"Our current policy has served us well, and though it is consistent with that of many other airlines, it has become clear that the policy will need to change in the light of the public debate," Mr Walsh added.

Miss Eweida said she was "dubious" about the review. "If Christians are wearing crosses they should be asked what they want to wear," she said.

"Lapel badges are generally for men, females like wearing chains with crosses on them. The lapel badge has to be dignified and respectable.

"I'm concerned it might not go far enough, Christians should have the freedom to wear the cross as we want, not on a jacket which gets taken off.

"There was no compromise for other religions about how they wear the bangal, hijab or turban - Christians should be respected."

Vincent Cable, MP for Twickenham, who has backed the Heathrow worker through the dispute, added: "BA's earlier position of accommodating some religious wear but not a Christian cross was a totally untenable position.

"After the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and large numbers of MPs, had joined in the criticism, BA was left looking very foolish and isolated."

Prime Minister Tony Blair hinted at his disapproval of the company's stance at an industry conference in London last month.

He told BA chairman Martin Broughton "I am a fan of the airline and a fan of its management, but some things arise in a certain way and you are best to do the sensible thing - know what I mean?"

Miss Eweida argues that she has worn the small cross throughout her seven years with the comapany.