Stewardesses Strike over Order to Wear Islamic Headscarves on Flights to Iran

Stewardesses for Air France have said they will strike and refuse to fly to Tehran, Iran after their company has handed down an order that they are to “cover their hair” with scarves or veils after the plane lands there. This is not a suggestion, it will be mandatory.

In addition, while the women can choose between a skirt and pants on these flights, the company has “instructed” the attendants to wear a long jacket and pants when sent to Iran.

Iranian women are forced by law to cover their hair, a stark contrast to France, where full-face Muslim scarves are illegal to wear in public places.

Air France is set to resume flights to Tehran in a few weeks following an eight-year ban that ended after the nuclear deal was signed. Unions for the flight attendants are pushing to make all flights to Iran voluntary for the stewardesses.

According to The Telegraph, the women feel this is an insult to their dignity to be forced to kowtow to the Muslim religion.

The head of the UNAC flight crews’ union, said: “It is not our role to pass judgement on the wearing of headscarves or veils in Iran. What we are denouncing is that it is being made compulsory. Stewardesses must be given the right to refuse these flights.”

She added that female staff were entitled to exercise “individual freedoms”.

Meanwhile, Air France and the government of France apparently do not see it that way:

Air France argued that French law allows “the restriction of individual liberties” if “justified by the nature of the task to be accomplished.”

And the nature of the task (Air France making money off of resuming these flights) is so important, these flight attendants should have their liberties restricted?

Hm. Not sure which county is worse here: Iran or France.