Complaint targets both religious and gender discrimination

On Behalf of | Sep 22, 2014 | Workplace Discrimination |

A male employee of Beckman Coulter, Inc. filed a complaint with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission in which he alleged both denial of a religious accommodation and less favorable treatment based on gender. Both could be violations of the Indiana Civil Rights Law.

According to the complaint, Beckman Coulter hired the employee as a coordinator in December of 2012. His normal work hours were set at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. In January 2013, he was associated with a new sales district, and the company changed his schedule to 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. This did not allow him time to perform his duties as a worship leader for Calvary Apostolic Church where he needed to report by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.

When the man asked to be allowed to leave an hour early on those days, his request was denied. The company said the request was turned down because it needed at least 30 days’ notice to make the change. The complainant also stated that a woman at Beckman Coulter was permitted a flexible work schedule in order to meet time requirements that she needed for her education. The ICRC concluded its preliminary investigation and agreed that there is probable cause to believe that a discriminatory act took place.

If not addressed, these forms of discrimination may result in long-term financial detriment to the victim. A person who believes that he or she has been subjected to religious or gender discrimination can seek input from an attorney to help determine what state or federal remedies may be available under the particular circumstances.

Source: IN.gov, “Beckman Coulter, Inc. Charged with Religious Discrimination“, September 19, 2014

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