Brussels Public Transport Company Sued for Alleged Hijab Discrimination in Hiring

The largest Brussels employer is facing justice. Last May, the Ligue des Droits humains (LDH), in collaboration with UNIA, filed a "cease and desist action" before the Labor Court against the Société bruxelloise de Travaux publics (STIB), reports 7sur7.be.

The plaintiff is a trained jurist. She has indeed applied for two positions. The first is that of Legal officer, and the second concerns that of Business analyst. These are two functions that are not in contact with the public.

According to UNIA and the LDH, the young woman’s evaluation was good. In short, it is her intention to keep her veil that was the reason for her non-recruitment.

Conversely, the STIB refutes these allegations. "If the person was not selected, it is because she did not have the required skills," insists Françoise Ledune, its spokesperson.

For now, the hearing is set for April 23, 2020. It remains to be seen whether the court will side with UNIA and the LDH or with the STIB.