***Unions accuse Qatar Airways of sex discrimination
Two global union organizations on Thursday submitted a case against Qatar to the International Labor Organization (ILO) accusing the Gulf country of allowing its state-owned airline, Qatar Airways, to violate conventions against workplace discrimination.
The advert was later changed to state that both men and women to attend wearing “business wear.”

Source: ITF
|
05/06/2014
|
The ITF and ITUC accuse Qatar Airways (QR) of workplace sex discrimination and restricting women’s rights, and allege that the Qatari government is in breach of its international obligations by turning a blind eye to these offences. The two organisations have provided evidence that female cabin crew members face gender-based discrimination such as a contractual marriage bar for the first five years of service and a provision allowing the company to terminate employment upon a crew member (compulsorily) reporting a pregnancy. They argue that the government of Qatar also fails to enforce the legal protections that currently do exist in its constitution, Law 14 of 2004 (the Labour Law) and Law 11 of 2004 (the Penal Code).
The ITF has repeatedly exposed discriminatory and wholly unacceptable practices – including curfews, surveillance and arbitrary dismissal – at the airline, where workers repeatedly refer to a climate of fear (see http://bit.ly/1jXWWAv). Meanwhile the ITUC has led the way in its challenges to the state of Qatar over its treatment of migrant workers in Qatar, including ahead of the World Cup (see http://bit.ly/1mMW66Z)
ITF acting general secretary Steve Cotton said: “Qatar Airways already has an unenviable reputation for severe employment practices, even among industry professionals, with allegations including harassment and restrictions on visitors and relationships. Its gender discrimination against female cabin crew is equally unacceptable.”
He continued: “We urge the ILO to act on our representation and make the recommendations necessary to bring the Qatar government into compliance with its international commitments as soon as possible and end the disgraceful discriminatory measures against women workers employed by its national carrier.”
Sharan Burrow, ITUC general secretary, said: “The corrupt kafala system used in Qatar, including by Qatar Airways, virtually enslaves women and controls their every movement. They live under strict curfews and the smallest details of their lives are controlled by their employers. They have no right to join a union to have a collective voice and there appear to be no effective grievance procedures concerning sexual harassment. They are being denied their rights and dignity.”
ITF president Paddy Crumlin said: “Qatar is on trial – over its national airline, over kafala, over the World Cup. The truth will out, and we’re going to continue making sure it does. Change has to happen, and until it does the rulers of Qatar and Qatar Airways can be sure that we won’t go away.”
The ITF and ITUC complaint accuses Qatar Airways of workplace sex discrimination and restricting women’s rights, and alleges that the Qatari government is in breach of international obligations by turning a blind eye to these offenses.
“It’s high time that Qatari officials address the discriminatory treatment of female flight attendants at Qatar Airways,” said IAM General Vice President and ITF Executive Committee member Sito Pantoja. “The IAM, ITF and ITUC will continue this fight until justice is served.”
Both the ITF and ITUC have provided evidence that female flight attendants face gender-based discrimination, such as a contractual marriage bar for the first five years of service, compulsory pregnancy reporting and a provision allowing the airline to terminate flight attendants for reporting such pregnancies. The complaint also alleges that the government of Qatar has continually failed to enforce current legal protections.
The ITF has repeatedly exposed discriminatory practices –including curfews, surveillance and arbitrary dismissals-and flight attendants have repeatedly referred to a climate of fear at the carrier (see http://bit.ly/1jXWWAv).
“The truth will come out, and we’re going to continue making sure it does. Change has to happen, and until it does the rulers of Qatar and Qatar Airways can be sure that we won’t go away,” said ITF President Paddy Crumlin.
- Monday 19 May 2014, 16:00
- by Janet Porter
- Back to Lloyd’s List Containers