Different religions do not always conform to the same work schedule or attire. Employers may need to make accommodations to meet the religious needs of an employee. If an employer fails to make reasonable accommodations and punishes an employee for practicing his or her faith, the employer may be liable.
In order to bring a successful claim for religious discrimination, an employee must establish that he or she (1) has a bona fide religious belief; (2) the belief conflicts with an employment requirement; (3) the employee informed the employer of this belief; and (4) the employee was disciplined for failing to comply with the conflicting requirement of employment. EEOC v. Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc.
However, employers do not need to suffer an undue burden, and the employee cannot necessarily choose which reasonable accommodation he or she receives. If you feel you were discriminated against for observing your faith, you should contact an experienced employment attorney of your choosing to evaluate your claim.
Matt Miller-Novak, Esq.
Godbey and Associates