A Texas branch of restaurant chain Chick-fil-A is being sued after an employee alleged she was fired for refusing to work on Saturdays because of her religious beliefs.
Laurel Torode, a member of the United Church of God, was allegedly discriminated against by Hatch Trick, Inc., which operates several Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Austin area, according to a complaint filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Torode reportedly disclosed during her job interview that she observes the Sabbath on Saturdays. While the restaurant initially supported her request, the situation allegedly changed several months later.
"In early February 2024, Defendant told Torode that going forward it would require her to work on Saturdays, to include the period in which she observes the Sabbath," the complaint reads.
When Torode discussed the issue with her employer and sought accommodations that would allow her to keep her management role without working Saturdays, she was reportedly offered a lower-level delivery driver position with reduced pay, fewer hours and less benefits.
After she declined the position, Hatch Trick terminated her employment, according to the EEOC.
The EEOC alleged the company violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which requires employers to reasonably accommodate employees’ religious beliefs unless doing so would create an undue hardship.
"The duty under federal law to provide reasonable accommodation of religion reflects an acknowledgement by our society of the importance of faith in workers’ everyday lives and an abiding respect for those who observe religious practices as an expression of that faith," EEOC Dallas Regional Attorney Ronald L. Phillips said in a statement.
Chick-fil-A is known for closing on Sundays so employees can "rest, enjoy time with their families and loved ones or worship if they choose" — a policy established by founder S. Truett Cathy in 1946.
