Agrees To Review Its Uniform Policy On Threat Of Sale

A British Airways check-in worker has been on administrative leave for several weeks after she refused to remove a crucifix she wears on a necklace. BA says its uniform policy doesn't allow the wear of religious symbols.

After BA denied Nadia Eweida's appeal, the Church of England's archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams joined the fray.

Speaking in Rome on Friday, Williams told reporters he had contacted the church's investment advisory body, the Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG), to discuss the sale of the Church's shares in the airline worth nearly $20 million.

A few hours after that bombshell from Williams, BA announced it will review its uniform policy claiming it had been unfairly accused of being anti-Christian.

As ANN reported, Nadia Eweida was told to go home after she refused to remove her crucifix. She appealed that action arguing that Muslim and Hindu BA employees are allowed to wear religious headgear and "bangles." That appeal was denied sparking this latest action by the Church.

Eweida has since filed a second appeal; the airline is to announce  its decision next month. Eweida refuses to return to work until she is allowed to wear her crucifix.

The Church's holdings in the airline represents a rather small portion of its overall worth, but Williams' influence as the leader of the Church of England makes him a force with a world-wide Anglican community numbering some 77 million. That influence in a boycott action could prove costly to the airline.

BA's CEO Willie Walsh, while not actually saying the policy would change, told Guardian Unlimited "Our staff has suggested that we allow the wearing of religious symbols as small lapel badges. This will be considered as part of the review".

FMI: www.britishairways.com, www.cofe.anglican.org