Elche | Discrimination Case

An Elche court on the Costa Blanca has said that it is not a valid reason to sack an employee because they are overweight.

The man had been employed by Alicante airport on a permanent but seasonal arrangement.He had been employed there for several years.

Then after the employee had a medical his contract was not renewed..The medical had drawn attention to the man´s obesity and after that the man was not contacted for a new contract.Other than the obesity the medical gave him a clean bill of health.The doctor recommended that he take more exercise.

The court felt that it was the obesity that had led to the contract not being renewed.The CCOO union felt that this was discrimination.The judge ruled that this was not a valid reason to dismiss someone. The CCOO claimed that this was a landmark victory as equality cases were usually based on gender , sexual orientation , race or any other personal condition.Obesity or being overweight were practically unheard of said the union representitive..Fighting discrimination was one of the union´s main missions. The CCOO is now seeking reinstatement for the man together with compensation of around 4000 euros for lost wages.