Discrimination or dress code?: Migros fired the cashier because of her headscarf, now she is suing

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Migros cannot calm down. The orange giant returned to the headlines shortly after announcing the separation of specialist stores and the sale of Hotelplan. This time it’s about discrimination allegations. According to “20 Minutes” news, Migros’ Lucerne branch fired a cashier who did not want to take off her headscarf at work without notice.

The Kurdish woman, whose name was not disclosed, has been working at the branch since 2017. She decided to wear a headscarf in the summer of 2023. His boss didn’t like this decision. “My boss told me that I was not allowed to come to work wearing a headscarf. Otherwise, I would have been sent home,” the employee told the newspaper.

Termination without notice after six years

The request for a change of department was also rejected. The employee left the job because she no longer felt comfortable without her headscarf. Termination came shortly after without notice. Reason: refusal to work. “And even though I worked at the branch for six years.”

At this point, Migros justified this decision with the dress code issued at the national level for the personnel in the branches. Accordingly, employees who have customer contact are prohibited from coming to work with a headdress. A Migros spokesman told the newspaper: “This includes religious headwear such as headscarves, turbans or kippas.” Migros emphasized that this regulation was made due to security and hygiene regulations.

Migros is rethinking its headscarf position

All arguments that did not convince the fired cashier. He felt discriminated against. Now he is suing Migros.

When asked in Luzerner Zeitung, Migros’ stance is no longer as strict as last year. A spokesperson from Migros said in a statement to the newspaper that there are currently discussions with cooperatives about adjusting the dress code on some points such as hats.

Switzerland’s other major retailer also takes a strict approach on religious symbols: Coop also bans the wearing of headgear during sales, a spokesperson confirmed to the “Luzerner Zeitung”. Valora, the kiosk group with brands such as Brezelkönig or Avec, and the post office are a little more liberal. In both cases, there are no relevant prohibitions; even when it comes to customer contact. (rule)

Source :Blick