An RTE employee is threatened with dismissal for wearing a headscarf; the CGT union denounces discrimination.

A new controversy surrounding the place of religious symbols in the workplace is shaking the French electricity transmission network operator. The CGT Energy union denounced on Friday the situation of an RTE employee summoned to a disciplinary hearing that could lead to dismissal because she wore a headscarf at work. The union accuses management of discrimination and is calling for a demonstration in front of the group's headquarters next week.

According to the CGT union, the employee in question works in an engineering research department. She had already received a reprimand before being summoned to a new disciplinary hearing related to her clothing. The union considers this situation a violation of individual liberties and constitutes discrimination based on real or perceived religious affiliation.

The CGT denounces a "stigmatization of minorities"

In a press release, the CGT Energy union criticizes what it calls the management's "ideological stance." The union believes this affair is part of a broader policy of "stigmatizing minorities" and denounces what it considers an increasingly authoritarian approach to human resources management.

The union believes that no objective grounds justify disciplinary action against this employee. It asserts that the employee's duties do not require any particular contact with the public and that no professional difficulties have been reported regarding her work. To express its opposition to this procedure, the CGT has called for a rally in front of RTE headquarters next Wednesday at 14 p.m.

RTE invokes its obligation of neutrality

For its part, RTE management declined to comment on the employee's individual case but firmly rejected any accusation of discrimination. The company reiterated that it is entrusted with a public service mission and, as such, applies a principle of political, philosophical, and religious neutrality.

RTE emphasizes that this neutrality requirement has been included in its internal regulations since January 1, 2026. According to the company, this change was implemented in compliance with the legal framework, particularly the law of August 24, 2021, which reinforces respect for the principles of the Republic. Management specifies that this rule was presented to employee representatives and approved by the labor authorities before its implementation.

A recurring debate about religious symbols in the workplace

This case arises in a context where issues related to religious expression in the workplace continue to generate heated debate. French and European case law recognizes, in certain circumstances, the possibility for an employer to impose neutrality rules, provided that they are justified, proportionate, and applied generally to all employees concerned.

The company emphasizes that its policy does not target any particular religion and applies to all employees. The group believes this policy aims to guarantee equal treatment among employees and to maintain a neutral work environment consistent with its public service mission.

A procedure that could set a precedent

The outcome of this case will be closely watched by trade unions, labor law specialists, and advocates for individual liberties. Should the disciplinary proceedings result in dismissal, they could fuel a new legal debate on the application of neutrality principles in companies providing a public service.

For the time being, RTE management is maintaining its position, while the CGT intends to continue its mobilization. The issue could now extend beyond the company itself and reignite a national debate on the balance between religious freedom and the obligation of neutrality in the workplace.