Apple has agreed to a $150,000 settlement in a lawsuit alleging religious discrimination against a former employee. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed the suit last year, claiming that Apple terminated a Virginia Apple Store employee after he converted to Judaism and requested scheduling accommodations to observe the Sabbath by not working on Fridays and Saturdays.
Despite the employee’s consistent positive performance reviews, the EEOC alleged that Apple dismissed him following his accommodation request. Apple has denied any wrongdoing but chose to settle the case.
According to the settlement terms, the $150,000 payment is divided into two parts: $80,000 classified as back pay, subject to standard withholdings and payroll taxes, and $70,000 for compensatory damages and interest, which is not subject to withholdings.
Beyond the financial settlement, Apple has committed to providing training on religious discrimination and accommodation requirements to certain employees in its Northern Virginia retail market. Additionally, the company will report denials of religious accommodation requests and complaints of religious discrimination to the EEOC over the next two years.
This case underscores the importance of religious accommodation in the workplace. Employers must be vigilant in respecting employees’ religious practices and ensure that accommodation requests are handled appropriately to prevent potential legal challenges and maintain an inclusive work environment.
