EEOC suit claims United Parcel Service's appearance policy violates workers' religious rights
The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has sued the United Parcel Service for allegedly violating the religious rights of workers and job applicants whose appearance violates company policy.
The suit, announced Wednesday in this press release, says the company bans beards and hair that is below collar length for male workers who have contact with customers or supervise others. Reuters and the Washington Post have stories.
A Muslim who applied for a driver helper position in Rochester, New York, was told he would have to shave his beard and “God would understand,” according to the EEOC. In Florida, a Rastafarian part-time load supervisor was refused an accommodation for long hair by a manager who said he didn’t want any supervisors looking like women, the EEOC says.
The suit, filed in federal court in Brooklyn, comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on behalf of a Muslim teen who says she was turned down for a job at Abercrombie & Fitch because of her hijab. The court said a job applicant claiming disparate treatment need only show that the need for accommodation was “a motivating factor” in the employer’s hiring decision.
UPS spokeswoman Susan Rosenberg said in a statement that UPS respects religious differences and is confident its employment practices are legal. “The company will review this case, and defend its practices that demonstrate a proven track record for accommodation,” Rosenberg said.
