Australia – Equal Opportunity Act To Accommodate Workers That Observe Shabath

Australia – Employers who refuse reasonable requests to give workers the day off for religious holidays could face compensation payouts under a review of state equal opportunity laws.

People from minority religions now take annual leave or sick leave in order to observe holy days.

Arrangements are also worked out on a case-by-case basis.

But under a review of the Equal Opportunity Act, employers may be forced to make “reasonable adjustments” to accommodate requests by minorities.

“One example might be where shift work required employees to work on weekends, which may be unduly burdensome to people who have religious commitments on those days,” said an options paper prepared for the review, ordered by Attorney-General Rob Hulls.

Jewish groups strongly support changes that would make it easier for their members to avoid working on the sabbath and other Jewish holidays.

The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission has raised the case of a Jewish public servant who was initially refused a job because she was unable to work late on Friday afternoons because of the sabbath.

“The issue was resolved after discussions with the ADC but it raises bigger questions,” said an ADC newsletter.

“Does this constitute discrimination?”

The ADC said the change should extend to dietary restrictions and clothing requirements of minority religions.

“The Victorian Jewish community endorses the introduction of a positive duty not to discriminate,” it said.

But Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry spokesman David Gregory said existing state and federal legislation already outlawed discrimination at work.

“Most employers are generally prepared to accommodate requirements related to religious observances,” he said.

“From my broad experience, I’m not aware of any particular issues that would require further legislative changes.”

A spokeswoman for Mr Hulls said a report on the review was expected by the end of June.