The sense of injustice after losing your job can feel heavy, especially when you believe your religious practices were the reason for your termination. In California, employers cannot fire employees because of their religion.
Your beliefs and observances are a protected characteristic in the workplace. If they fire you due to this, they are committing discrimination and wrongful termination.
Your right to reasonable accommodation
Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), you have protections against wrongful termination. The law advocates for your faith, requiring employers to provide you with reasonable accommodations for your religious needs. These can include a schedule change to observe religious events or a modification to the dress code for your religious attire.
The undue hardship myth
Your employer can only refuse your request if it creates an undue hardship on their business operations. However, their refusal must prove that your request involves significant difficulty or expense. They cannot deny your accommodation if they claim it as a small inconvenience.
You have the right to practice your religious faith freely. If your employer terminates you after requesting an accommodation, this is a significant red flag.
The importance of documentation
If your employer fired you due to your religion, you can file a claim against your employer. However, you must establish documentation for your case. Gathering records related to your accommodation request and the termination is essential. Ultimately, understanding your rights is critical in building a claim.