Hertz Suspending Muslims Over Prayer Breaks

Muslim shuttle bus drivers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport have been suspended for not checking out when taking prayer breaks.

Thirty-four drivers have been suspended since last Friday, when managers stood outside the Muslim prayer room and warned entering workers that they would be suspended if they didn’t clock out before praying, according to a spokesman from the Teamsters union Local 117, which represents the workers. The union alleges that Hertz singled out the employees based on religion — a charge that Hertz vehemently denies.

“It is common practice that if you’re taking mini-breaks, if you have a lull in your work and go get a cup of tea or smoke a cigarette, two or three minute breaks throughout the day, you don’t have to clock out,” said Tracey Thompson, secretary and treasurer of the union. “Individuals take breaks, go across the street to Starbucks to get a cup of coffee during intermittent breaks, and this wasn’t focused on anybody doing anything else but praying. They made it about prayer.”

Hertz says it’s about abusing the breaks and not complying with workplace rules.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.