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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-MN Welcomes EEOC Ruling on Heinz Bias Complaint by Muslim Workers
Employees, represented by CAIR-MN, alleged discrimination, retaliation and hostile work environment

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 8/9/11) -- The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today announced that more than a dozen Muslim employees it represented have won a favorable ruling by the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) in a complaint filed against H.J. Heinz Companysubsidiary, Dianne's Gourmet Desserts, in Le Center, Minn.

CAIR-MN said the employees received a "reasonable cause" determination from the EEOC on all allegations of discrimination, including failure to accommodate religious practices and retaliation.

In December 2010, Muslim employees at the Heinz subsidiary were terminated from their jobs for requesting legally protected prayer accommodation. They were forcibly removed and local law enforcement was called to ensure they left the premises. The company had created a new policy that abolished a break time used by Muslim employees to pray their evening (Maghrib) prayer. The employees were prohibited from praying outside of the newly implemented work breaks, which did not coincide with prayer times.

Performance of the five daily prayers is a mandatory and essential part of life for Muslims. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibit employers from discriminating against employees or prospective employees on the basis of religion.

Title VII also requires employers to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of their employees. Courts have been clear in articulating that each individual employee who has a bona fide religious belief must be reasonably accommodated by an employer.

CAIR-MN negotiated with Dianne's Gourmet Desserts to rehire the employees in January 2011, however the issue of discrimination still prevailed and was investigated by the EEOC. CAIR-MN will be entering in the settlement phase with Dianne's Gourmet Desserts to remedy their illegal acts.

"Employers need to understand their legal obligation to accommodate bona fide religious practices in the workplace for all employees," said CAIR-MN Civil Rights Director Taneeza Islam. "We thank the EEOC for its diligent investigation and commitment in mandating religious accommodation on employers."

On August 12, 2011, CAIR-MN will hold its 5th Annual Ramadan Fundraising Dinner to highlight civil rights success and challenges in the Muslim community. The event will be held at 7 p.m. in the Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View, Minn.

CAIR offers a booklet, called "An Employer's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices," to help employers gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in the workplace.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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