I found this comment in the article's comment section intriguing:
Two things: Why are muslims working at a MEAT PACKING PLANT? And, when Christmas rolls around, will they be working or taking the rest of the day off with the infidels?
I live in Greeley, and I'll be honest that I don't know...but does that plant process pork products? If it does, it seems like these folks are being a little selective about what aspects of their religion they are wanting to get up in arms about.
Now, I'm trying to take a fair bias with this...but I don't think it should be any employer's inherent responsibility to make religious accomodations for anybody...Christian, Muslim or otherwise. If it is that big of an issue to the employee, then these things should be hashed out in their contract when they are hired. In this case it is Swift, and the employees are protected by the UFCW union. The tools are in place for these people to lodge their complaints without disrupting business operations.
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, so I've been exposed to quite a few different cultures and religions in my day. Everybody should strive to treat others fairly, but this is the real world, and often times it is just not fair. I read the article and everyone interviewed has a good point, but there are more constructive ways to go about getting what you need.
Anyway, since this is drifting off-topic from the intended point, I'll close my pie-hole now.
-- B
