ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > September > 17
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Should companies have to alter shifts for prayer breaks?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Colorado meatpacking plant is facing a clash with the union due to the company’s alleged failure to provide religious accommodations for some of their Muslim employees.
Earlier this month, some of the Somalian workers employed by JBS Swift & Company staged a walk-out during their evening shift because management would not allow them to take their breaks around their prayer schedule for the holy month of Ramadan, which includes a mandatory prayer at sundown. A substantial amount of those that participated in the walk-out were consequently fired. The company states that they had already altered the assembly line break schedule by an hour in an attempt to meet the religious needs of the Somalian workers.
The union plans to file grievances and lawyers representing the Council on American-Islamic Relations are involved in the case as mediators. Legal action may be pursued if mediation does not settle the matter.
How far should employers have to go in order to honor the religious needs of their staff? Do you think the Muslim workers are asking for too much in this case or did the company violate their rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
