ECHR judgement: BA violated employee's human rights

The European Court of Human Rights has today issued a chamber judgement regarding British Airways employee Nadia Eweida's right to wear a cross visibly at work.

The court held that by British Airways suspending Eweida for wearing the cross, there had been a violation of article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, regarding freedom of religion.

The court held that on one side of the scales, there was Eweida's desire to manifest her religious belief and on the other side of the scales was the employer's wish to project a certain corporate image. While the aim was undoubtedly legitimate, the domestic courts accorded it too much weight.

The chamber judgement is not final and British Airways can request that the case be referred to the Grand Chamber of the Court.

MF