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Muslim Employees Prevail In Two EEOC Cases Involving Religious Accommodation

By Howard M. Friedman

Muslim employees of two different companies have obtained favorable results after filing complaints with the EEOC. In one case, according to BNA's Daily Labor Report Monday, Swedish-based Electrolux Group has decided to change the evening shift meal breaks during Ramadan this year so employees will be able to break their fast and still abide by company rules that prohibit food on the production floor.

In an unrelated case, also reported by BNA's Daily Labor Report on Monday, White Lodging Services, Inc. which manages the Louisville (KY) Downtown Marriott has settled a lawsuit brought by the EEOC on behalf of four Muslim women who were denied job interviews in 2005 when they would not remove their hijabs. Marriott dress policy did not allow employees to wear head coverings that were not part of their uniforms, and the housekeeping manager who rejected the women was not aware of the significance of the hijab. The company will pay $10,000 to settle with each of the women, and will provide equal opportunity training for Hotel employees. (EEOC press release, 7/21). [Thanks to Steven H. Sholk for the lead.]

Full post as published by Religion Clause on July 28, 2010 (boomark / email).