Hertz Reacts to Muslim Workers Who Are Suing Over Islamic Prayer Time
- Posted on December 9, 2011 at 11:56am by
Billy Hallowell
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On Wednesday, 25 Muslim workers officially filed a lawsuit against the Hertz rental car company. The suit, which alleged religious discrimination, has been gaining a great deal of attention since the workers were fired from the company in October. Hertz, though, claims that the company will “vigorously defend” itself and that religious discrimination allegations are unfounded.
Hertz made the decision to let the Somali Muslim drivers go after they refused to clock out when they took time for their regular Islamic prayers. The workers, who were drivers at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, claimed that the company was not being accommodating to the fact that observant Muslims pray five times per day.
According to Hertz, the employees were in violation of collective bargaining rules that were reached as part of an agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission two years ago. These regulations, Reuters reports, apparently required that workers clock-out before engaging in personal activities.
In October, the Teamsters Local 117 filed an unfair-labor-practices suit with the National Labor Board, claiming that the company didn’t give the union notice about the policy change. Reuters has more about the case as it currently stands:
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in King County Superior Court, accuses Hertz of intentionally creating a “hostile work environment owing to religious, race and national origin discrimination” by terminating the drivers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in late October.
The lawsuit says Hertz employees at the airport have been allowed to take bathroom or smoking breaks for the past 15 years without clocking in or out. It also says Muslim workers among them have long been permitted to take prayer breaks off the clock and that their labor contract does not require clocking out for such breaks.
Jack Sheridan, a lawyer for the workers, says that the employees usually prayed in private spaces two times during the day. The time spent during these prayers was reportedly three to five minutes at a time. Sheridan also says that the workers want back pay, job reinstatement and monies for damages related to emotional pain and suffering.
Other workers who were previously suspended, but have agreed to clock out have been reinstated. The company could not be reached for comment, as Hertz offices were closed earlier this week.
Hertz and two managers are named as defendants in the lawsuit. In addition to complaints about the treatment over prayer, the former employees claim that they were addressed harshly, that managers peered into women‘s prayer space and that they also banged on the women’s restroom door.
Hertz spokesman Richard Broome issued a written statement in which he claimed that the situation has nothing to do with religion or discrimination. ”The employees refused to accept our only requirement — that they clock out first to ensure that when prayers ended they returned to work promptly, which wasn’t happening in many instances,” he wrote.
According to Reuters, this isn’t the first time some of these same workers have filed discrimination claims against the company. In 2007, they purportedly ruled a grievance with the EEOC and subsequently reached a settlement with Hertz. The lawsuit claims that retaliation was a major factor behind their October dismissal.
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Comments (274)
randy
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:29pmTeamsters Local 117 Un American.
Report Post »Respect you, Respect tour religion?
Sorry.
I will never respect Islam or you!
I.Gaspar
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:29pmIf lines aren’t held, soon they will demand paid time off to go to bombmaking classes.
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:43pmAmerican culture doesn’t allow for carpet rides on the company dime Screw them!.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:47pmI am NOT holding my breath, once Eric Holder gets wind of this the pressure will mount and Hertz will cave!! Sad days are still ahead of us! Keep a clear head protect your own and life will be just fine until the “storm” is over!
Report Post »db321
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:52pmEasy fix – Stop Hiring them!
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:53pmHertz may soon have an even bigger problem in hiring Muslims…..car bombs.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:00pm… the progressive liberal marxist politicians who are responsible for allowing the immigration of our muslim enemies into America need to be strung up!! They are all traitor’s starting with Bill Clinton!
ISLAM IS THE ENEMY OF FREEDOM!
Report Post »000degrees
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:36pmThe attack continues……..I’ll serve on that jury…..
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:45pmPray in the bathroom.
Report Post »ACLUHater
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:48pmThey are patiently evil
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:49pmGive the jobs to illegals.
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:56pmThey make a great show of their piety and devotion…..
Report Post »Why are they so devoted ? Worried about something ?
Afraid of the consequences of their thoughts and actions ? I guess I’d be praying all day too.
However, I thank the most high when things go well and thank the most high when things could have been worse.
But I don’t crawl on my belly and cover myself with ashes when I do.
SREGN
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:59pmNext they won’t want to clock out for honor killings or stonings of rape victims. I say Hertz is right to draw the line. Give these people an inch…..
Report Post »robert
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:30pm“Hertz Reacts to Muslim Workers Who Are Suing Over Islamic Prayer Time”
They shouldn’t have been hired in the first place, but Hertz wanted to show how “unprejudice” they are.
Now, pay the price for your bad decision, boys.
Report Post »the wireworker
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:25pmanother isolated incident…
Report Post »Disabledvet
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:46pmI agree with RELOAD. I think as an american i should be able to take gun cleaning breaks.
Report Post »Linda2955
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 5:15pmvery true
Report Post »SurhanSurhan
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 6:32pm@ DB321- In this country it’s illegal to discriminate on the basis of religion.
Report Post »toto
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 7:17pmYou got that right. We MUST stop this, all of us. First do a visa check, all illegals must go. Hang tough, Hertz, you‘ve gained some customers if you don’t cave or settle. You should up a legal defense fund, it would overflow!
Report Post »madarain
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 7:19pmHey SurhanSurhan… It’s also illegal to plan the overthrow of the government, or plot to kill infidels, or murder wives and daughters to protect so called “honor”. It’s illegal to fund terrorism, give financial aid to criminals, or commit treason.
I know YOU agree with me…that many muslims use nitpicking complaints to push at the edges of our society. Cheating, lying, stealing, & manipulating the rules for any advantage to undermine the generousity and decency of Americans…knowing they would never, ever agree to the same deal in reverse. It’s Taqiyya, right? Disgusting isnt it?
Lying and cheating are not a moral matter for them, but a method of safeguarding honor and status, avoiding shame, and at all times exploiting. Seeking to convert shame into honor on their own account and vice versa for their opponents. If honor so demands, lies and cheating may become absolute imperatives. What a joke! They have no honor do they, Surhan?
No dishonor attaches to selling short weight, deceiving anyone about quality, quantity or kind of goods, cheating at gambling, or bearing false witness. The beleive they are merely quicker than the next fellow; owing him nothing, and not to be blamed for taking what he can.
Surhan, dont you agree that these disgusting methods used by many muslims are the only way they can compete? Imagine if they had to play fair. Or better yet, imagine when the west learns to play their game…No honor will remain…They would be crushed.
Report Post »Fubert Barr
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 8:02pmwell … that is part of their religion
Report Post »Partygirl
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 9:41pmYou work for a company you comply with their rules. You don’t make your own. You want to make your own get your own company. Sick and tired of people who want special treatment.
Report Post »Depressed_American
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 10:29pmOh that is really bad.
Report Post »meeterman
Posted on December 10, 2011 at 3:02amThis same thing happened at JBS Swift in Grand Island NE. where they got help from the union because they could’nt prey on certain times during their shift and Swift had to accommodate an area for them to wash their feet.
Report Post »Zod Cranards
Posted on December 10, 2011 at 10:50amMohammad married a 6 yr old when he was about 52. allah is about on par with baal of the Old Testament. mohammadism is from Hell.
Report Post »Anadara
Posted on December 10, 2011 at 8:43pmHertz should just lock out the Union and hire people who want to work. Screw the whole bunch of those union ******.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 1:42pm… Hey Hertz! That’s what you get for not hiring AMERICANS!!!
Report Post »Amos37
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 10:03pmThey can fight all they want against the True God, but:
Report Post »“They will not take wood from the field nor cut down any from the forests, because they will make fires with the weapons; and they will plunder those who plundered them, and pillage those who pillaged them,” says the Lord GOD.
Sons of God end up on the winning side in the end.
thegreatcarnac
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:27pmThe nerve of these muslims to come to a predominantly Christian country as immigrants, get hired and demand that they get paid for praying 5 times a day on the job. Muslims all have this attitude when it comes to religion and rights. They believe they are better than everyone else. They will push their agenda as far as they can. They are ‘in your face’ with their religious ‘rights’ but a Christian in a predominantly muslim country has none. If they are not killed outright, they at least have to pay a tax just for not being muslim. Muslims do not assimilate. They try to take over a nation as soon as their numbers permit. In the meantime they agitate and push and cry discrimination when they do not get their way. They should not be allowed in this country and they should not be allowed anywhere in the west.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:32pmAnd when they don’t get their way the resort to violence.
Report Post »Veteran Patriot
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:46pmThe thing you didn’t mention in your post is that in a predominantly christian country, muslims are being given preferential treatment OVER christians.
Report Post »Dark days are ahead folks. Make no mistake, this is a cancer running rampant in the country. The cure is going to be painful but it is possible!
M 4 Colt
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:01pmVeteran, as long as we have democrat liberals in control of our government YOU WILL NEVER get rid of this cancer. The only cure is the removal of not only the muslins but those that allowed them to come here in the first place. Keep your powder dry boys i think with the opening of all the fema camps and the passing of that new law that allows the military to detain you FOREVER, i think something BIG is coming in the next 6 to 12 months.
Report Post »sophie02
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:25pmWhat are they bitchin about? They were allowed breaks just like all the other workers. Doesn’t sound like religious discrimination to me. Sounds like they just want something EXTRA, something SPECIAL at the company’s expense. Ya know, this whole issue could be solved by those who want to face in a certain direction with their butts sticking up in the air 5 times a day while chanting some indecipherable mumbo-jumbo relocating to an area of the world where it’s commonplace for that to happen. They would fit right in. Seems they would be happier in such a place, too, since they wouldn‘t have to raise a stink about being ’discriminated’ against because of their religion. And WE wouldn’t have to listen to them constantly whine about their perceived injustice here in America.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:19pmAnother group of the professionally privileged.
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:31pmI am Catholic. Does this mean I get to go to mass during working hours and be paid?
Muslims do not assimmilate. They are a cancer that works from within to reshape it’s host.
Report Post »Kankokage
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:25pmThe last paragraph is the clincher. It isn’t the fact that they were praying, its the fact that they weren’t getting back to work afterward. Hertz has the upper hand here.
Report Post »Kankokage
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:36pmSecond to last, I mean…
Report Post »Depressed_American
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 10:35pmIt don‘t matter because the Mobster Union doesn’t care what is right or that they work for a company….
Report Post »paperpushermj
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:24pmAttention Hertz:
You have violated Paperpushers Rule of Life #6.
NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED!!
Report Post »Hickory
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:23pmRound all of them up and give them a choice, go to Afghanistan or have a roast pork sandwich.
Report Post »twolaneflash
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:19pmAmerica is headed down the path of submission to a demonic belief. Muslims use our tolerance and decency against us, conducting jihad by lawsuit, playing the eternal victim while they victimize our freedoms. Muslims will ever demand that we infidels deny our beliefs, give ascendance to their’s, and “fundamentally change” America to accept Sharia, Islam, and hatred for Jews and everyone else. If we are to be free, this -ism must be rejected as it is incompatible with the rule-of-law, individual liberty, and religious freedom. God will have His Way, but free will has built a wide gate into perdition. God help those miserable bastards of a hellish father, the father-of-lies.
Report Post »barnsy
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:20pmIm not very religious ,but what is happening between Christians and Jews on
Report Post »the one side and muslims on the other seems like the setup for the final battle (good vs evil). The muslems being on the side of the antichrist.Its spooky.
momsense
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:21pmWhat makes this Minority different from any other? Gimmee, Gimmee, Gimmee !
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:19pmThey just dis-honored their employer…and should be beheaded.
Report Post »netmail
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:58pmYES and their last meal can be a McRib Sandwich. (For a limited time)
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 1:57pmLOL, I wouldn’t serve them a McRib, lest their buddies come in and blow MY head off for giving it to them.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:17pmSEE, here we go with the DOUBEL STANDARD. RUKES are RUKES and they apply to ALL. Don’t like it? GO to IRAN or EGYPT where you will have NO RIGHTS! There is no “eaual justice” any longer in this country.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:07pm=justice; are we a little angry here?? Those fingers were flying a little to fast! (chuckle) I read your post and looked at my keyboard….
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:15pmFive times a day , are you freakin kidding me, i wouldnt hire a ****** if he worked for free….
Report Post »barnsy
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:23pmIt would be nice if you could get them to bathe once every five days.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:14pmPlease stand strong and fight these people Hertz. This is stealth jihad. Don’t let the Muslims beat you and just become another casualty to their war on America.
Report Post »Free2speakRN
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:14pmTo be Paid to pray. Now that is a devout way to worship God. I am Catholic and if I was given a right to take ‘prayer breaks’ without pay, all the more it would glorify God. I would think it an insult to God if I even ‘wanted’ to be paid during prayer time. You can’t serve Two masters. Take your pick, God or money.
Devotion without money for it. What a delemma.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:27pmOn company time….on company rules!!!!!
Report Post »StanO360
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:46pmWell said Free2
Report Post »opaque blinders
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:06pmIf this was a Government job would the NCLU show up and sue for separation of church and state. I highly doubt it.
Report Post »Dr.Will.Who
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:15pmNicely put.
Report Post »Link8on
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:43pmI guess airport rental shuttle service in Riyahd must have many times when their drivers do the same.
Report Post »PaBowHunter
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:13pmGood job Hertz! I don’t get a break from my job for religious purposes. The EEOC and the NLRB must be dismantled.
Report Post »sunnyrallen
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:13pmHold your ground, Hertz.
Report Post »psadie
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:13pmI’ll respect your religion ONLY when you start to respect my religion, Christianity! Leave our country.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:10pmOnly Muslims have the right to pray in the work place… Bet Holder gets involved and they win. They would loose if they were Christians. Christians have no rights
Report Post »barnsy
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:12pmHopefully Holder will be too busy getting impeached over Fast and Furious to bother Hertz.
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:10pmThe Plaintiffs would NOT want me on the jury.
Report Post »eaglesview
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:10pmThe lawsuit claims a “hostile work environment” ?. Hey, how about just focusing on the words “work environment” ?. People you’re there to “work”, not pray. Tolerance is one thing, paying someone to observe their religious practices is completely another. Who do you think you are ?. Special or something. Do your job, or go away.
Report Post »bocajojo4
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:10pmUnbelievable….maybe need to hire people that want to work…if you want to pray, go to church!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:13pmNext time I rent … It WILL be Hertz!
Report Post »Hiswill
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 5:00pmI pray while driving, cleaning house, mowing the lawn, doing the laundry and whenever I feel like it.. Why can’t they do the same?
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:08pmDon’t like the agreed upon contract quit or if you want to change America to Somolia? GO BACK!! 5 times a day to include bathroom/smoke breaks? It’s a wonder you can do a job in the first place!!
Report Post »thekuligs
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:07pmAh I see so Hertz was accomodating. It was the Muslims that refused to clock out–why should a company have to pay you for not working huh?
Report Post »blaaaaackwoman
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:07pmThese Muslims should be put in indefinite military detention and I’m serious.
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:04pmWe really need a revolution and get the government, lawyers, and unions out of businesses businesses, if you don’t want a job, don’t like your job, don’t like your employers rules, go somewhere else and take a different job.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:02pmGood for Hertz. Why should they have to pay you to pray Muslims? If you’re so devout, punch out!
Report Post »(got that from Johnny Cochran)
Detroit paperboy
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:13pmIf they continue to treat muslims like this….. I will rent cars from only them ; ))
Report Post »Old Truckers
Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:20pmBe careful who you put on as employees.
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 2:00pmI hope LSU destroys alabama. Crybaby tide, got in because of their wimpy schedule.
Report Post »