SkyCity will allow worker to have bible

SkyCity says it has reached an agreement with a Sky Tower worker which will enable her to carry a bible. 

Tuni Parata faced disciplinary action for carrying a bible with her at work, in breach of SkyCity's uniform code. 

SkyCity spokeswoman Grianne Trout told NBR ONLINE Ms Parata will now be allowed to carry a small bible with her. 

"In the past, Tuni did carry a much larger bible, and that just wasn't acceptable because she wasn't able to fit it in her pocket and she had to carry it in her hand. 

"The bible she has now is a tiny wee thing that fits in her pocket. 

"As long as she doesn't take it out when she's on shifts, we're happy to let her have it on her."

Ms Trout says Mr Parata was never at risk of being fired over the issue. 

Chapman Tripp employment law specialist Geoff Bevan rejects media reports SkyCity was wrong to take action against a Bible-carrying employee.

Casino staffer Tuni Parata faces a disciplinary hearing on Thursday after being found in possession of a pocket Bible in a SkyCity toilet.

A secuirty policy sees employees are forbidden from carrying personal items such as mobile phones, cigarettes and Bibles when on the job.

The union representing Ms Parata, Unite, has called the disciplinary action "absurd".

Wellington employment lawyer Peter Cullen told Radio New Zealand SkyCity's action might be unreasonable under the law.

Mr Bevan disagrees. 

The move may be a full-blown public relations disaster, but SkyCity is probably acting within its rights.

Ms Parata's job is at real risk, Mr Bevan told NBR ONLINE.

The core of the senior associate's argument is that Sky City was not discriminating against Ms Parata, but rather asking her to follow rules that apply to all staff.

“The law takes a balanced approach” Mr Bevan says. "It protects employees from being treated differently because of their religion, while recognising that they are being paid to do their job, and to follow instructions."

However, because the instruction impacts on Ms Parata’s religious practices, the Human Rights Act might require SkyCity to show it has a “good reason” for requiring her to comply with the rule, Mr Bevan says.

“The law encourages both parties to be measured and reasonable” he says.

“SkyCity will need to think about whether it can accommodate Ms Parata’s wish to carry a bible – her practice of doing so probably has more legal protection than listening to an iPod or smoking.

"At the same time, Ms Parata doesn’t necessarily have the right to ignore SkyCity’s instructions, and her job could be in jeopardy if she does.”