Benefits August 18, 2005

Glass Repair Shop Faces Religious Discrimination Charges

August 18, 2005 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed suit against a Richmond Safelite AutoGlass shop for firing a woman who would not work on her religion's Sabbath day.
Reported by

The Associated Press reports that, according to the lawsuit, Tracey Gordon informed managers two years before being fired that she was a member of the United Church of God and the denomination celebrates its Sabbath on Saturdays. Gordon said managers worked with her on the schedule for a while, then it became a problem.

The store fired her in January 2004 when she refused to work on Saturdays. The EEOC suit charges the store with “failing to reasonably accommodate [the plaintiff’s] religious belief and practices,” according to the AP.

The EEOC is seeking $300,000 in back pay and restitution for Gordon. A spokesman for the Columbus, Ohio – based company wouldn’t comment on the case until company attorneys could review it.

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