There are very clear laws and regulations about religious rights for workers and how an employee may not be discriminated against based on his or her religion. Despite these laws and regulations, employment discrimination based upon religion still occurs. Anyone in Colorado who needs certain days or times off work to accommodate religious beliefs or observances may be interested in a recent case of discrimination concerning the national chain Dunkin’ Donuts.
A man who is a Seventh-Day Adventist applied to work as a donut maker for the national chain. The man was offered the job and was instructed to report to the job place at 3 p.m. on a Friday. The man then told the manager, as a Seven-Day Adventist, he could not work from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.
It is alleged that the manager then withdrew the offer for employment. According to federal law, employers must make reasonable accommodations for certain religious beliefs held by employees or those seeking employment. A federal lawsuit has been filed against Dunkin’ Donuts, and the man is seeking damages.
Whenever a person feels they have been the victim of employment discrimination, seeking legal help may open the door to a number of outcomes. If the case is successful, an employee may be able to win back pay, benefits or may even get his or her job back. It is vital to all employees and potential employees in Colorado to understand how employment discrimination based on religious beliefs should be handled and what rights they have according to the law.
Source: usatoday.com, “N.C. Dunkin’ Donuts bakery sued for religious discrimination“, Dale Neal, Sept. 12, 2014