Pilot accuses BA of sex discrimination
A female pilot for British Airways is reportedly taking the carrier to an employment tribunal, arguing that she is being denied to right to work part-time. According to the Daily Mail, Jessica Starmer is accusing the airline of sex discrimination because it is refusing to cut her hours so that she can look after her 15-month-old daughter. The newspaper quotes her as saying that she will have to leave her “dream job” if she is not allowed to do so. The Mail reports that 26-year-old Mrs Starmer worked between 700 and 800 hours a year and after her daughter was born, was allowed to reduce her working hours by a quarter. But last April, when she asked for a further 25 per cent reduction, the carrier refused. Mrs Starmer is quoted as saying: “Having to appear at an employment tribunal was the last thing on my mind when I started my dream job as a British Airways pilot nearly four years ago. Although I love flying for BA, I’m also a working mum and need to work part-time to care for Beth.” BA is denying sex discrimination and has stated that the decision was based on safety grounds. The carrier requires all pilots with less than 2,000 hours flying time to work at least 75 per cent of a “normal” rote. Mrs Starmer has worked just 1,100. However, the Mail reports, the pilots’ union Balpa says the safety rule was only introduced in September – five months after Mrs Starmer’s request was turned down. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
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