From the Civil Rights Desk
Assalamu’ Alaikum:
In preparation for Ramadan, CAIR-SFBA is recirculating this short guide on your civil rights in the workplace so that you may fully take advantage of the blessings of this month. We hope that you will share this primer with your friends and family to ensure that they too are empowered to assert their rights this Ramadan.
The following information is only meant to serve as a guide and not as legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact CAIR-SFBA’s Civil Rights Department.
Did you know that you are entitled to prayer and iftar breaks and time off for Eid? Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and particularly section 42 U.S.C. § 2000e(j) allows an employee to take time off for sincerely held religious beliefs as long as he or she gives notice and the accommodation does not result in an undue hardship for the employer. Where an employer is exempt from federal law, they may still be subject to California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code sections 12900 – 12996).
Here are some do’s and don’ts on how to request a religious accommodation:
- Do follow your employer’s procedures when requesting an accommodation. Before making your request, do review your employer manual and follow any procedures regarding notification and requesting time off.
- Do make clear that the reason you are requesting the accommodation is because of a religious belief or practice.
- Do keep a personal record of when and how your request was made and whether and how it was accommodated.
- Do follow-up verbal requests in writing to ensure you have a written record of the request.
- Do be respectful when requesting an accommodation. Don’t recite the law when you first ask because most employers are willing to work with you to accommodate your requests for prayer and iftar breaks and Eid time off.
- If, however, your reasonable requests for prayer and iftar breaks are not accommodated, please do contact CAIR-SFBA’s Civil Rights Department immediately so we may try to assist you.
Ramadan in the Workplace: Know Your Rights Webinars
For more information about your rights in the workplace this Ramadan, attend a CAIR webinar on June 15th or June 16th at 7:00 PM (PDT).
Register for the June 15th webinar at: http://bit.ly/kyr61515
Register for the June 16th webinar at: http://bit.ly/kyr61615
For additional questions or concerns, please complete this incident report form or call us at 408.986.9874 to speak with a member of our Civil Rights Department.
Lastly, please keep the CAIR board, staff, and volunteers in your duas during these blessed days.
Sincerely,
CAIR-SFBA Civil Rights Department