In some instances, workplace discrimination can affect a Michigan resident’s employment. Those who are subjected to any form of discrimination need to understand that it is against the law and that they have rights.
According to a recent report, an airline flight attendant was suspended from her job because her faith precludes her from being able to serve alcohol. The woman, who is Muslim, has filed a case citing discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission because the accommodation the airline once provided her was revoked. The 47-year-old woman has worked for the airline for three years. One year into her tenure, she converted to Islam. It wasn’t until this year, however, that she learned that the religion requires that she not serve alcohol.
After speaking to her supervisor, she was told to make an arrangement with other flight attendants so she would not have to serve alcohol. She claims that this was not a problem and was working well. In addition, it was the supervisor who suggested it. Another flight attendant eventually complained that the woman was not doing her job because she was not serving alcohol. The airline informed her that the religious accommodation would no longer be in effect and she was placed on administrative leave. She has been told that she could be subject to termination after one year.
Discrimination comes in many different forms and can occur without warning. Even though the flight attendant had informed her employer of the needs based on her religious beliefs and she was initially accommodated by the airline and co-workers, it eventually became an issue and she asserts that she was subject to religious discrimination. Those who believe they have faced a similar situation may want to consider their legal options.
Source: fox13now.com, “Muslim flight attendant says she was suspended for faith-based refusal to serve alcohol,” Emanuella Grinberg and Carma Hassan, Sept. 5, 2015
