Cross row woman 'dubious' over BA's uniform rethink

12:05am Saturday 2nd December 2006

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A check-in worker involved in a dispute with British Airways over her right to wear a cross openly while working has said she is "dubious" about the airline's review of uniform policy.

British Airways (BA) has announced it is to re-think its rules on what employees can wear after Nadia Eweida of Twickenham launched a challenge against the company for not allowing her to wear a cross on a chain around her neck while working at Heathrow Airport.

Willie Walsh, the airline's chief executive, said accusations that the company were anti-Christian had been misplaced and unjustified but the debate raised by Miss Eweida's challenge had forced a review of the policy.

Vincent Cable, MP for Twickenham, said the announcement went a long way towards defusing the situation but Miss Eweida said she hadn't been consulted and wanted to see what the airline had in mind.

Mr Walsh continued: "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. Therefore I am initiating a review of the policy to begin immediately."

The review will look at how the policy can be adapted so symbols of faith could be worn openly, with suggestions that religious symbols could be worn as small lapel badges.

Dr Cable, who has supported Miss Eweida through the dispute, said: "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."

Dr Cable paid tribute to Miss Eweida for her stand and her friends, unions and others who have rallied behind her.

"I hope, now, she can get back to work on the basis of a compromise which respects BA's dress code but also respects her wish to wear and display a symbol of her faith," he added.

But Miss Eweida was not entirely convinced by the announcement and said she was reserving judgement.

"I'm pleased but I'm dubious," she said. "I don't know what the review will entail. If Christians are wearing crosses they should be asked what they want to wear.

"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.

"I have told them I want to be consulted, but I don't know anything about it.

"I hope they make suggestions that are acceptable to the Christian faith and I am hoping to go back to work and wear my cross and chain like I have always done but I want to see what they have in mind. I will not be dictated to by people who are not of the faith."