An Inclusive Litany

6/21/01

Three telephone line workers claim they are being discriminated against by Ameritech because of its policy prohibiting eyebrow rods and other body-piercing jewelry they regard as essential to their right to free expression. The company responds that body jewelry represents a safety hazard because it obstructs vision and conducts electricity. OSHA rules call for technicians who work near power lines to remove anything that conducts electricity, including wedding rings.