MAY AN EMPLOYER POSE QUESTIONS TO A JOB APPLICANT REGARDING THE APPLICANTS RELIGION OR RELIGIOUS PRACTICES?
Questions concerning an applicant’s religion or the religious holidays observed by an applicant are totally impermissible. For example, an employer may not ask an applicant: “Does your religion prevent you from working weekends or holidays?,” or “What synagogue or church do you attend?” However, during an interview an employer may describe the regular days, hours or shifts of the job. The employee has the responsibility to inform the employer of any aspect of his or her religious observance which will affect job responsibilities. For example, if an employee must leave early on Friday and cannot work on Saturday, he or she should indicate this when the job is accepted. WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS WHEN AN EMPLOYER SCHEDULES EMPLOYMENT-RELATED TESTS ON THE SABBATH OR HOLIDAY? An employer may not schedule tests in a manner that totally precludes the participation of Sabbath observers. As with the scheduling of work, the employer must attempt to accommodate the religious needs of the employee or pro
