CAIR-MN to Meet with Wisconsin Muslim Ariens Workers Fired Over Prayer

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/18/16) – Later today, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will meet with representatives of Muslim workers fired from Wisconsin-based manufacturer Ariens after that company changed its policy on prayer while at work.    

WHAT: CAIR-MN Meeting with Wisconsin Muslim Workers Fried from Ariens Plant Over Prayer Issue

WHEN: Monday, January 18, Time to Be Determined (Participants will be available for interviews after the meeting.)

WHERE: CAIR-MN Office, 2021 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55413

CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com

More than 50 Muslim workers at the Ariens plant in Brillion, Wisc., lost their jobs after the company changed its policy to only allow prayers during scheduled breaks, not when the prayers must be made according to Islamic beliefs. Before the policy change, the Somali Muslim workers were able to leave the production line to pray two of the five daily prayers.

Video: CAIR Calls on Wisc. Firm Ariens to Allow Prayers Pending Resolution of Accommodation Issue

CAIR has asked that Ariens allow Muslim workers to pray while at work using the previous policy pending a resolution of the religious accommodation dispute.

Earlier this month, CAIR welcomed a change in policy allowing Muslim workers fired in a recent dispute over accommodation of prayers at a Cargill meat processing plant in Colorado to reapply for their positions 30 days after their termination date, instead of the previous 180-day period. CAIR has been retained to represent the majority of the workers fired from the plant.

SEE: CAIR Welcomes Change in Cargill Policy That Will Allow Fired Colo. Muslim Workers to Reapply After 30 Days

CAIR offers a booklet, called “An Employer's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” to help corporate managers gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims.

SEE: An Employer's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices  

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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CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com; CAIR Civil Rights Litigation Director Jenifer Wicks, 202-322-9397, jwicks@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com