Many employees observe religious holidays or traditions that require them to take time away from work. Whether it's attending a worship service, celebrating a holy day, or participating in another important religious practice, these observances can be deeply meaningful. But what happens if your employer refuses your request for time off?

Federal and Pennsylvania laws provide important protections against religious discrimination in the workplace. If your employer denies your request without considering reasonable accommodations, your rights may have been violated.

At The Lovitz Law Firm, we provide legal assistance to employees throughout the Philadelphia area who believe their workplace rights have been violated.

Religious Accommodation in the Workplace

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires employers with 15 or more employees to reasonably accommodate an employee's sincerely held religious beliefs or practices unless doing so would create an undue hardship on the business.

Religious accommodations may include:

• Time off for religious holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Shift swaps
• Modified break times for prayer
• Adjustments to workplace policies when appropriate

The law applies to many different religions and sincerely held religious beliefs, whether they are widely practiced or unique to the individual.

Can Your Employer Simply Say No?

Not necessarily.

An employer cannot automatically deny a request simply because it is inconvenient. Instead, they are generally expected to evaluate whether a reasonable accommodation can be provided.

Employers should consider factors such as:

• Staffing needs
• Available shift coverage
• Business operations
• Whether alternative scheduling options exist

Each request should be evaluated individually rather than dismissed without discussion.

What Is an Undue Hardship?

An employer is not required to provide an accommodation that creates an undue hardship. Following recent guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court, employers generally must show that granting the accommodation would result in substantial increased costs or significant operational difficulties.

Minor scheduling inconveniences or administrative burdens alone may not be enough to justify denying a religious accommodation.

What Should Employees Do?

If you need time off for a religious observance, consider taking these steps:

• Notify your employer as early as possible.
• Clearly explain the religious reason for your request.
• Be open to discussing alternative scheduling options.
• Keep copies of written communications regarding your request.

Providing advance notice often helps employers find workable solutions.

Signs Your Rights May Have Been Violated

A denial may raise legal concerns if your employer:

• Refuses to discuss possible accommodations.
• Punishes you for requesting religious leave.
• Treats employees of certain religions differently.
• Retaliates after you file a complaint.
• Creates a hostile work environment because of your faith.

Every situation is unique, and determining whether an employer acted unlawfully depends on the specific facts.

Pennsylvania Employees Have Additional Protections

Pennsylvania employees may also be protected under state and local anti-discrimination laws. In Philadelphia, additional local ordinances may provide further workplace protections against religious discrimination.

Understanding which laws apply can help determine the options available if your request for accommodation is denied.

How an Employment Attorney Can Help

If you believe your employer unlawfully denied your request for religious accommodation, an employment attorney can review your circumstances, explain your legal rights, and help you determine the most appropriate course of action.

Legal representation may include:

• Evaluating your employer's actions
• Reviewing workplace policies
• Negotiating with your employer
• Filing administrative complaints when appropriate
• Representing your interests if litigation becomes necessary

Contact The Lovitz Law Firm

Being denied time off for a sincerely held religious observance can be frustrating and stressful. While employers may deny requests in certain situations, they must also comply with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.

If you believe your rights have been violated, The Lovitz Law Firm can provide legal guidance to employees throughout Philadelphia and help you understand your available legal options.