Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Colorado Company Faces Dispute Over Ramadan Accommodation For Workers

In Greeley, Colorado, JBS Swift & Co. finds itself in the middle of protests regarding the appropriate accommodation of religious practices of its many Muslim employees-- mostly African refugees-- who are fasting during Ramadan. Today's Greeley Tribune reports that those working the late shift want their break time moved up to 7:30 pm so they can break their fast at sundown. Non-Muslim employees say it is unfair to give accommodation to Muslim employees that are not available to others. Federal law requires reasonable accommodation of workers' religious practices.