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BA crucifix crusader launches fresh legal action

BRITISH Airways employee Nadia Eweida, who won a human rights case to wear a crucifix at work, is launching fresh legal action over alleged victimisation and harassment by managers for whistle-blowing.

Ms Eweida successfully brought a religious discrimination claim against BA at the European Court of Human Rights in 2013 after a long-running dispute broke out over the airline’s new uniform policy in 2006.

The airport check-in worker, who still works for BA, alleges she was singled out for mistreatment when she returned to work in 2007.

In a claim before an employment tribunal, Ms Eweida accuses airline managers of bullying and punishing her for whistle-blowing.

The 67-year-old alleges that she was denied a break in March 2017 after experiencing strain on her eyes in the wake of an operation.

Ms Eweida claims she was instead told to cover a flight gate and given a written warning by management when she refused to do so.

A new uniform policy introduced in July 2017 required female staff to tuck their cravat in their blouse, meaning Ms Eweida had to wear her crucifix on top of her cravat, which she says was designed to affect her.

Ms Eweida, who is attempting to raise £30,000 to fund the case, said: “Since winning my case I have gone back to work and been systematically bullied and harassed in my workplace.

“It is my heartfelt wish that a positive outcome for this case will set a precedent ensuring the protection of others in the workplace.”

A BA spokesman said: “We strongly deny all of these claims. We work hard to ensure that all 42,000 staff who work for British Airways are treated fairly and consistently.”

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