Night Must Fall (1964)
Am I experiencing Religious Intolerance in the workplace?
Background info:
-I am a Wiccan
-October 31st is not only “Halloween,” its also Samhain (The highest sabbat of the Wiccan year)
Here’s what’s up:
A few days ago, I submitted a “Time off request,” to my boss, for Samhain. I kept the details brief and basically just said that I would like the night off because it was a Wiccan holiday. Unfortunately, my boss denied my request because they will need my help on that night.
I am VERY bothered by this. While there is no documentation explaining that I (as a Wiccan) MUST take this day/night off of work, I would still like to do so in observation of my religious beliefs. I intend on speaking with a supervisor about this, in hopes that she will be able to get through to my boss’ reasonable side. However, in the meantime, I find myself wondering:
Is what he is doing LEGAL? I don’t think it is but I’m not sure if it falls under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
It doesn’t matter whether or not he refused your request because you are a Wiccan. If it is a holiday for your religion, he is required by labour laws to to make reasonable accommodations for your faith, which includes allowing time off for religious observations. He might be allowed to get away with requiring you to take the time off without pay, or use vacation time, but he should allow you to take the time.
Ballyhoo – 1964 MGM IS ON THE MOVE 4/4