Cargill Muslim Employees Get EEOC Support
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is siding with Cargill employees over their right to pray at work. Employees filed a claim against the company because their opportunities to pray during breaks had been curtailed. The EEOC's support means that Cargill management will have to reach an agreement with employees on prayer time.
The issue began in Colorado in 2015 when 150 employees walked off the job in protest. Supervisors told them they would no longer be able to prayer during breaks. The employees were terminated for attendance violations.
Employees report being closely monitored so they didn't pray, for example, in the bathroom. Cargill denies such claims.
The hope is for Cargill and the employees to reach a confidential agreement. If they fail, the employees can pursue a discrimination lawsuit.
Discussion:
- What protects U.S. employees' right to pray at work?
- How would you describe the company's position?
- Assess statements by the company in the Star Tribune article. Based on these quotes, how well is the company responding to the controversy?
