A CASE in which the Equal Opportunities Commission - champion of workers who claim discrimination - is itself accused of discrimination, may now be referred to the European Court for a ruling.

After a hearing on Tuesday, October 15, an industrial tribunal reserved to a later date a decision on whether the case should be referred to Europe.

At the tribunal, policy officer with the EOC, Margaret Boyle and five other employees - including Bury woman, Gill Atkinson, brought a sex discrimination case against the organisation over their maternity rights.

The test case could have far reaching effects on maternity rights for other British employees.

It is alleged the maternity scheme was discriminatory because it was not as favourable as the sickness scheme which applies to both men and women.

Miss Dinah Rose, representing three of the women, told the Manchester hearing they were seeking a declaration that the terms in their contracts were contrary to European law.

She said there was no suggestion there was any bad faith or discriminatory attitude or prejudice displayed by the EOC.

"The issues are purely a question of law," she said, and added the EOC was as keen as the women to have the matter resolved.

She said the law concerning maternity rights remained unclear and there was need for an authoritative ruling by the European Court.

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