16 Muslim workers quit after firm refuses

Sixteen former employees of US auto supplier Brose Jefferson are reportedly initiating a legal action against the company for religious discrimination.

The workers are claiming that the company forced them to "involuntarily resign by asking them to choose between "their jobs and religion."

The origins of the incident are from May, the month when the Muslims around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan. As the shift timings of these men was from 2pm to 10 pm, their usual break was at 7 pm. Muslims fast till sundown during Ramadan so the workers asked for a 9pm break instead.

Although their request is accommodated every year, the employer told the workers, this year, to choose whether their religion or their jobs were more important. In protest, all the 16 workers quit their jobs.

The story appeared originally on Michigan Radio and has been reported widely in international media.

The below statement was issued by Brose Jefferson to Michigan Radio -

    Brose carefully considers the needs of all its employees, and we are proud that Brose Jefferson's workforce is one of the most racially, ethnically, gender, generationally and religiously diverse workplaces in Michigan. Because Brose values the contributions of every member of our team, reasonably accommodating observant Muslims during Ramadan is not new, nor objectionable, to Brose or the Brose Jefferson plant. Unfortunately, this year, a small percentage of Muslim production and temporary agency workers were not satisfied with Brose's proposed accommodations during Ramadan. They chose to walk off the job rather than discuss other accommodations that would not unduly impact Brose's production.

    Brose does not intend to litigate this matter in the press, but does contend that the facts as stated in press release issued by the former workers' attorneys are incorrect. Brose intends to vigorously defend any claims brought against the company.

    We wish to thank our existing workforce, many of whom are Muslim, for their continued hard work and dedication to the team, the company and our customers.

Source: Khaleej Times