What are the rights of employees who are members of a religious organization?
Employees in Washington State who are members of a religious organization have certain rights in the workplace. First, employers must provide reasonable accommodation for religious beliefs and practices, including accommodating special requests, providing flexible scheduling, and making adjustments to work policies. An employer cannot refuse to hire, terminate, or discriminate against an employee because of their religious beliefs or practices. The law also protects an employee’s right to display religious items in their workspace as long as it does not interfere with the performance of their duties. An employer must also accommodate dress and grooming practices, such as headscarves, facial hair, and piercings, as long as they do not disrupt the performance of the job. Washington employers must also provide up to 24 hours of unpaid leave each year for religious holidays and other religious observances, as long as the employee has given the employer reasonable notice and their absence does not cause any undue hardship to the business. In addition, employers may not retaliate against an employee for exercising their right to religious freedom in the workplace. This includes making negative comments, cutting hours, or reducing pay. Employers must protect their employees’ right to practice their religious beliefs and activities, or else they may face legal action.
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