Thanks for fighting the good fight while you were there.
What these folks fail to realize is that the CRA is crystal clear. Employers must provide a reasonable accommodation for sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Period, end of story. Sanctimony or good intentions (in their mind) don't invalida…
Thanks for fighting the good fight while you were there.
What these folks fail to realize is that the CRA is crystal clear. Employers must provide a reasonable accommodation for sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Period, end of story. Sanctimony or good intentions (in their mind) don't invalidate the law as many companies are now learning the hard way.
But the government, media, and medical establishment all ganged up to pressure these companies into doing their dirty work. Many of these HR types, filled with an inflated sense of sanctimony, were happy to play along. I needed to remind our HR exactly what the law said and that I would sue them if they didn't follow it.
Companies cannot make you prove your religious beliefs are consistent or logical. They cannot require a letter from a religious leader (the spiritual equivalent of a doctor's note). All of that stuff is illegal under the CRA and subsequent case law. My company requested a note from a religious leader and I told them to go pound sand (politely) while pointing out there was no basis for it under the law or scripture.
Plus I'm in a good position where they needed me more than I needed them, and frankly I was ready for a fight on this issue. Ultimately, they were more afraid of losing me, and being sued by me afterwards, than they were of the government. Accommodation granted.
Thanks for fighting the good fight while you were there.
What these folks fail to realize is that the CRA is crystal clear. Employers must provide a reasonable accommodation for sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Period, end of story. Sanctimony or good intentions (in their mind) don't invalidate the law as many companies are now learning the hard way.
But the government, media, and medical establishment all ganged up to pressure these companies into doing their dirty work. Many of these HR types, filled with an inflated sense of sanctimony, were happy to play along. I needed to remind our HR exactly what the law said and that I would sue them if they didn't follow it.
Companies cannot make you prove your religious beliefs are consistent or logical. They cannot require a letter from a religious leader (the spiritual equivalent of a doctor's note). All of that stuff is illegal under the CRA and subsequent case law. My company requested a note from a religious leader and I told them to go pound sand (politely) while pointing out there was no basis for it under the law or scripture.
Plus I'm in a good position where they needed me more than I needed them, and frankly I was ready for a fight on this issue. Ultimately, they were more afraid of losing me, and being sued by me afterwards, than they were of the government. Accommodation granted.