British Airways to Alter Uniform Policy Following Cross Debacle

British Airways (BA) is set to review its policy over uniforms, after finding itself at the centre of an ethical row over its decision to stop one of its workers from wearing a cross.

|PIC1|Earlier in the week, Nadia Eweida, 55, lost her appeal against the decision, which stated that she could not wear the cross if she kept it visible while working at the BA check-in counter.

The decision has put BA squarely at the centre of a public debate, with many members of the public taking the decision to boycott the airline until BA backed down.

Willie Walsh, BA Chief Executive, told reporters today that the airline was now reconsidering its uniform policy "in the light of the public debate".

Walsh stated that the airline would not consider allowing religious symbols to be worn as lapel badges, however, he was firm in saying that he considered it unfair that BA had been accused of being anti-Christian in its policies.

The controversy surrounding BA's decision centred on the fact that the airline had stopped Eweida from visibly wearing her tiny cross on a necklace, whereas it allowed people of other faiths to wear visible religious symbols such as headscarves.

Eweida commented following the BA announcement: "If they are going to review the policy and allow Christians their place in the workforce then that is a big relief."

She added that she had been overwhelmed by the public support that her case had received.

High profile Christian leaders have jumped to Eweida's defence over the past few weeks. The second-most senior member of the Church of England, Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, as well as Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, have rebuked BA's decision.

In addition, the leader of the house of Commons, Jack Straw also described the decision as "inexplicable".

On Friday, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said on the issue: "If BA is really saying or implying that the wearing of a cross in public is a source of offence, then I regard that as deeply offensive."

Prior to BA's decision to review its policy, the Public Policy Director of the Evangelical Alliance, Dr R David Muir, had urged: "The wearing of the cross is very important to Nadia, and everyone has a right to express their faith in an appropriate way. BA's uniform policy has exemptions for items such as turbans and veils, which reflect the belief of those following other religions. The case presents a timely opportunity for BA to re-examine its uniform policy in the light of the current debate about religion, freedom of expression, and appropriate dress.

"BA's current position is in danger of appearing insensitive, disrespectful and discriminatory against Christians, re-enforcing the idea that Christians are entitled to wear cherished symbols of their faith so long as they are kept out of sight. This is clearly unacceptable. The message and the metaphor in BA's current policy signals its marginalisation of Christianity in its treatment of different faith groups. We hope that common sense will prevail in the resolution of this matter."

As Walsh reported about BA's decision to review its policies he said: "The recent debate about our uniform policy has unfairly accused British Airways of being anti-Christian. British Airways is proud of its uniform and proud of the diversity of its staff. One of the fundamental aims of our uniform policy is to be fair and non-discriminatory.

"The criticism of British Airways has been misplaced and unjustified. I am proud to lead an airline that has a track record on diversity and inclusion which is second to none."