Swift fires 130 Muslim workers after Ramadan dispute
Rocky wire reports
Published September 10, 2008 at 6:21 p.m.
Updated September 11, 2008 at 9:04 a.m.
Sara Loven / Greeley Tribune
Mohamed Jama, left and Najima Handule discuss their termination papers Wednesday from JBS Swift & Co.
Photo by Sara Loven / Greeley Tribune
Muslim workers of JBS Swift & Co. gather outside the company Wednesday after receiving their walking papers.
GREELEY — At least 130 Muslim workers at the north Greeley JBS Swift & Co. plant were fired Wednesday afternoon, apparently over a dispute involving breaks during Ramadan.
About 15 Greeley police officers were called to the scene by a Swift security guard as part of the termination. A security guard told police one terminated Swift worker had tried to hit him.
No arrests were made. The worker was escorted off the premises and police remained on the scene for peacekeeping purposes.
A union spokesman says the union will file grievances against the Greeley meatpacking company.
At issue is a request by Muslim workers to be able to take their lunch breaks at sunset to end their fast during Ramadan.
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 spokesman Manny Gonzales said that between 130 to 150 workers from JBS Swift & Co. had been fired.
The firings appear to be related to the walkout of as many as 300 Muslim employees Friday. Many of the workers had been suspended after walking off the job before their shifts ended.
The firings came a day after representatives from the union met with Swift officials to discuss workers’ concerns.
But many of the workers who gathered at a Greeley park Tuesday expressed their dissatisfaction with negotiations by saying, “No prayer, no work.”
Swift spokeswoman Tamara Smid said in a written statement that the workers were told they would be fired if they didn’t report to work when recalled. Smid didn’t specify how many workers were fired.
She said JBS Swift works closely with all employees and their union representation to "accommodate religious practices in a reasonable, safe and fair manner."
Several Swift officials did not immediately return messages left on their office and cell phones or respond to an e-mail seeking comment
Last year, in Grand Island, Neb., dozens of workers also quit their jobs at a Swift & Co. meatpacking plant because of the same concerns. A union spokesman said then that 94 workers there had quit, but the company said it was about 70 people. More than a week later, several of the workers returned.
For more on this story from The Tribune, click here.
The Greeley Tribune and Associated Press contributed to this report.
September 10, 2008
6:33 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
The ACLU will have a field day with this.
September 10, 2008
6:46 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
How long did they want off? Friday afternoon or the whole month?
September 10, 2008
6:52 p.m.
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ColdShot writes:
You work when you are scheduled to work, or find another job. I think it was the right move!
September 10, 2008
7:02 p.m.
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Romulus1968 writes:
Suxxs 2 b them. Now let's deport 'em so they don't drain our resources. I hear Somalia is nice theis time of year and they can always get a job working on a pirate ship or running guns or whatever.
September 10, 2008
7:13 p.m.
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happymike44 writes:
They took jobs that should have gone to Americans workers.
Then are complaining about their termination no one made them miss work.
I am tired of people using religion get what they want.
They did not abide by the papers they signed to work at the plant.
So now they will understand what unemployment looks like.
If they have no job then there is no reason to keep them here.
Send them home and make the company hire an all american workforce.
I wonder how many americans would show up on time to work for their job.
Also be glad to have it and be able to feed their families.
When did we lose control of employing the people born in our country.
Why does it seem that big business wants to only hire non english speaking foreign nationals.
September 10, 2008
7:14 p.m.
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TheGraphite writes:
If you can't do the job you were hired to do, then you should find work elsewhere. I would have tried to be more flexible if I ran that company. However, a company has every right to hire or fire whomever they will if a worker is unwilling or unable to do the job they are hired to do.
As for the A(nti) C(hrist)L(egions of the) U(nderworld)... well... let 'em have a field day. But, I agree with Shakespeare. "First thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers."
September 10, 2008
7:22 p.m.
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rickg19611 writes:
So much for the lies about Swift agreeing to give them the time off. Wonder if the illiterates who claimed that their "negotiations" were enough to claim that Swift agreed to give them the time off, will do the right thing...... stop lying about the case and do something to help the workers who were conned by liars.
September 10, 2008
7:25 p.m.
Masnatas writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 10, 2008
7:27 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
Lawyers are killing America. And you think Indians will get it back? If we don't get it back now, we'll never get it back. We're still expecting you to head back to Europe. We can't wait forever. If you're not a racist, go back now.
Now we're concerned about Muslims buying huge portions of this country. They're tougher than you people. We'll have a real challenge.
September 10, 2008
7:27 p.m.
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Hola writes:
Good. If you want to follow Somali rules, stay in Somailia. It's not the job of Swift to cater to you.
BTW, if you immigrate to a country you should understand what their rules/traditions/etc are. Im not going to Somalia and telling them to sell me alcohol am I?
September 10, 2008
7:29 p.m.
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TheGraphite writes:
This has nothing to do with religion or culture or race.
They can't or won't do the work they agreed to do when they were hired. They knew full well when they applied for the job that they would have Ramadan. They agreed to the terms of their job. They lied, and they expected the company to change for them after their initial deceipt.
Not religion, not culture, not race. They can't or won't do the work, so they are out the door. End of story.
September 10, 2008
7:30 p.m.
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redwhiteandBLUE writes:
Clean out the place! No more complaining and DEMANDING.
They did the right thing. Work or go home.
September 10, 2008
7:41 p.m.
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PaleoConservative writes:
HopiMedicineMan writes:
"We're still expecting you to head back to Europe."
10,000 unemployed comedians and you're still trying to break into the business?
September 10, 2008
7:53 p.m.
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Otter writes:
Coming to your neighborhood soon - The ObamaNation Express!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xABGNd...
If you think this is an anomaly, do some research on the near complete Islamization of Europe. The Christians, Jews and Agnostics of Europe are now at the mercy of this kind of thing EVERY DAY. If this is what we want for our country, then continue to do nothing and think it’s someone else’s problem.
September 10, 2008
7:56 p.m.
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rkoehler writes:
These workers were here legally and attempting to exercise their freedom of religion rights. They requested but a small amount of time off from work to practice their religion and such requests are given without objection to Christians and Jews. JB Swift denied these hardworking individuals their rights and JB Swift should be sued.
September 10, 2008
8:03 p.m.
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benn writes:
Wow - xenophobia run rampant.
Glad to see that tolerance has come back to America!
September 10, 2008
8:08 p.m.
tylerfrost writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 10, 2008
8:12 p.m.
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nicktaste writes:
its reasons like this that make extremist muslims think america is the devil
i understand we are an "at will" state, i wonder if the law still provides for any religous protections for these people
makes me wonder if swift will just import more cheap labor from somewhere else (instead of from here at home)
September 10, 2008
8:14 p.m.
bluespanail writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 10, 2008
8:19 p.m.
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rkoehler writes:
I am ashamed by the hatred and racism expressed in the majority of these postings. As an American Indian I would never tell all of you to go back where you came from! We must accept that this is a nation of people from diverse countries, cultures, and religions...this is what we say makes this a great country! You must ask yourselves where you hatred and racism comes from!
September 10, 2008
8:21 p.m.
seebox writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 10, 2008
8:31 p.m.
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bluespanail writes:
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.
Ronald Reagan
September 10, 2008
8:38 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
Paleo---Only 10,000? I'm trying man (or is it ma'am?)
September 10, 2008
8:43 p.m.
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Tunlrat writes:
LOL! Un-friggin' believable. So....nevermind, this is amazing. David Lane just found another source of income.
September 10, 2008
9:17 p.m.
aztlan99 writes:
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September 10, 2008
9:19 p.m.
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coarizona writes:
Many jobs require you to work on holiday or personal days. If you can't work within the production system...well time to find another job that suites your needs. Nothing new on this concept of working.
September 10, 2008
9:21 p.m.
Hola writes:
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September 10, 2008
9:24 p.m.
MarshallLynch writes:
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September 10, 2008
9:32 p.m.
Sundog writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 10, 2008
9:36 p.m.
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Sundog writes:
PS, MarshallLynch: No fibbin' now, son, you're completely transparent here. Enjoy your vegan meal as you gaze upon the verdant People's Republic of Boulder environment. Pay no attention to us running dog lackeys, and leave the carnivorous activity to us vertebrates.
September 10, 2008
9:37 p.m.
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MileHighPatriot writes:
"The workers appeared to be all African. The termination appears to be related to the walkout of Muslim employees on Friday. The workers left their jobs after they were told they would not be given a break to observe the Muslim holy month of Ramadan."
How sarcastically objective. They were given a break... just not when they wanted to take it. It's a pvt company with pvt rules. Don't like it? Get out.
However, I think this is the same plant where that ICE raid happened a while back. They are no different than hundreds of other companies that take advantage of legal and illegal labor to have a better profit margin.
September 10, 2008
9:40 p.m.
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Francesca writes:
Neither this nor the Tribune story really elaborated on what these workers were asking for specifically. Looks like some requests had already been honored by Swift that weren't good enough for some of the workers that made the bad choice not to return to work when asked to. How much time was involved here? An hour, a day, week or month? I'd like to know the specifics before making a comment on it.
coarizona is right, you do the job you're hired to do, otherwise pound the pavement for something else if it doesn't accomodate you.
September 10, 2008
9:41 p.m.
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Sundog writes:
PPS: We know that liberals never tip, they just talk about it.
September 10, 2008
9:49 p.m.
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MarshallLynch writes:
Hey Sundog - no foolin'. Left Colorado 8 years ago for a job on Wall Street - life is good. Just have to pick the right specialty, like I did - I'll never get laid off. I think we give citizenship to all illegals and send the American welfare losers to Mexico. Might as well send the lower middle class too, things are only going to get worse for them here. At least in Mexico they could afford their winter heating bill. BTW - my office is one block from the WTC, and New Yorkers don't have a problem with muslims. I work with a lot of bazillionaire muslims, nice people. And we all lost co workers and friends that day.
September 10, 2008
9:50 p.m.
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q8bay writes:
I can believe how much hatered in these comments....so much has changed in Colorado!!!! where are the educated and the human..i think everyone knows that the American constitution protects religous practices....these ppl need only 30min to break the fast and go back to their work...they are an American as much as anyone else...so...plz...cant u be just HUMAN!!!
September 10, 2008
9:54 p.m.
Steve_In_Denver writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 10, 2008
10:03 p.m.
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gdr1873 writes:
I agree with sundog.....When they were hired they new the days off etc....holiday etc....So I dont know why they are walking out...Why dont they just quit. I mean Allah should provide for them everything they need...They dont need to work...Hell, I tell you now, the day that America succumbs to Islamic religion and laws etc etc, is the day that I and probably 200 million other christian believers will grab our guns and terminate these radical extremists....If your muslim, and you want to live here, fine...I could care less...But...pay your taxes, mind your own flippin business, respect OUR religion, refrain from crime, contribute to our society and I will do the same....You know the old saying "Dont Tread On Me" well it applies to Allah as well....here in the USA....
September 10, 2008
10:05 p.m.
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ActualThinker writes:
Wow, a lot of ignorant racists on this board. If they are here legally (which after the troubles Swift previously went thru I bet they are) then they deserve every protection any Christian or Jewish person is entitled too. They are paying taxes in to our system, doing a job that few people want. All they were asking for was to switch their break time and have time for Prayer, they weren't trying to get off or not work their shifts, just change the schedule a little for a month. The law is on their side which surprises me that Swift did this, many companies have lost lawsuits in which an employee is not at least given reasonable efforts to practice their religious beliefs.
So to all those complaining looks like a bunch of jobs opened up, why dont you go up there and take it and see how long you last.
September 10, 2008
10:10 p.m.
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Steve_In_Denver writes:
What a terrible employer...you can't tell me that Swift couldn't have worked out a compromise with these workers to allow them some time off to observe their religious holiday. Even if it was unpaid time...if they were truly an employer of choice who cared for its employees it wouldn't have even come to this. How sad.
September 10, 2008
10:11 p.m.
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Steve_In_Denver writes:
***was that more appropriate site staff...or are you going to remove that comment as well???***
September 10, 2008
10:17 p.m.
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Bipolar writes:
Its called "WORK" not religious play time. If they dont like it they can go back to where ever the heII they came from and take all the Illegals with them.
September 10, 2008
10:19 p.m.
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Bipolar writes:
And they can take steve in Denver too
September 10, 2008
10:26 p.m.
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MarshallLynch writes:
Steve - relax. Victory is obtained by watching them sink into financial despair. Immigrants will never go away because their labor is needed - we all know that. And they work harder than Americans, and so get further ahead, and the next thing you see is their kids going to Yale. Trust me, I live in northern NJ, which is about 20% foreign born, and they make up the majority of the gated community inhabitants. Head over to Philly or Queens and see what Americans who've been here a few generations have accomplished - not much.
September 10, 2008
10:28 p.m.
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Steve_In_Denver writes:
Bipolar, luckily views like yours are dying off...literally.
"If they don't like it they can go back to wherever the hell they came from and take all the illegals with them."
How original.
September 10, 2008
10:34 p.m.
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Steve_In_Denver writes:
MarshallLynch...
I think your views on things are a bit twisted...but I must admit you had me rolling with the Morton's comment...hahhahaha. Goodnight.
September 10, 2008
10:35 p.m.
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MileHighPatriot writes:
actualstinker, q8bay
Yes, people are free to choose whatever religion they want and no one i supposed to be able to prevent you from worshiping on your own time.
At work? Hmm... if I were Catholic and wanted a crucifix hanging over my desk in an office environment, but boss said no.. what would I do? Take it down or not put it up at all. It's not MY office.
This is a private business. They sign up for a schedule, and willingly work there. The employer did not say they could not fast. They are free to do that.
In a previous related article, it said that the employer has set break times for employees. The Muslim employees in question want a separate, later break time.
Could Swift have complied? Yes. Are they breaking the law because they are not completely accommodating them? NO! In this respect, they are obeying labor laws. The Muslims want 'extras' which they are not entitled to in this country.
Alibi's anyone?
September 10, 2008
10:40 p.m.
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MileHighPatriot writes:
Also, is Swift being inhumane... or 'non-human' as q8bay so eloquently put it?
No... inhumane would be chopping their hands off, or making them eat pork.
They're simply making a business decision. Keep 100 people (notice I didn't say Muslims) who are starting to irritate the company by slowing production, who might start demanding break times to pray 5 times a day in the future, or lay them off to find people who want to work without complaint?
No one is being inhumane. You guys throw the human rights card around like you're trying to get it in a hat.
September 10, 2008
10:51 p.m.
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Lorraine writes:
In most low-level jobs, you are told when you can take your break. Here is the law according to the Department of Labor:
"Federal law does not require lunch or coffee breaks. However, when employers do offer short breaks (usually lasting about 5 to 20 minutes), federal law considers the breaks as compensable work hours that would be included in the sum of hours worked during the work week and considered in determining if overtime was worked. Unauthorized extensions of authorized work breaks need not be counted as hours worked when the employer has expressly and unambiguously communicated to the employee that the authorized break may only last for a specific length of time, that any extension of the break is contrary to the employer's rules, and any extension of the break will be punished.
Bona fide meal periods (typically lasting at least 30 minutes), serve a different purpose than coffee or snack breaks and, thus, are not work time and are not compensable. "
Colorado law:
Paid 10-minute rest period for each 4-hour work period or major fraction thereof; as practicable, in middle of each work period.
Administratively issued Wage Order for 7 industries.
Applicable to retail trade, food and beverage, public housekeeping, medical profession, beauty service, laundry and dry cleaning and janitorial service industries. Excludes certain occupations, such as teacher, nurse, and other medical professionals.
More info: http://employeeissues.com/breaks_meal...
To summarize, companies are not required by federal law to provide breaks of any kind. OSHA does have some break requirements. The State of Colorado requires 10 minutes every 4 hours.
So companies do not have to accomodate religious practices at all. If you don't like your work schedule, find a different job. If you're in an industry that doesn't have a flexible schedule (assembly lines, etc) go back to school and get more education. People in white-collar jobs usually get to take breaks when they need to.
September 10, 2008
10:58 p.m.
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MileHighPatriot writes:
Thank you, Lorraine. I hope you don't come off as an inhumane evil republican.
September 10, 2008
11 p.m.
watcher1 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 10, 2008
11:30 p.m.
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informationmunky writes:
so, I'm an american by birth. I make barely enough money to pay my rent and put gas in my car. I work on my birthday, christmas, easter, hannika, quanza, thanksgiving, and pretty much every other holliday thats on a calander. why?? because those are the shifts I was given on the schedule. Could I get a job if I went into my interview and demanded that according to my rastafarian religion, I need to take a 15 minutte break every day after my scheduled break, to do a couple bong rips. after all,, it is a legitamatly recognised religion.
Shut up and work!!! Or i guess you could just play the welfare card, and collect government assistance. God knows the system isn't doing anything to help me out. Use that "minority" ace up your sleeve, and the government will almost knock your door down trying to help you out with child care, food stamps, and rent subsidies. the more illegitamte children you have, the better.
September 10, 2008
11:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
BRM writes:
Swift hires immigrants (legal and otherwise, they were raided not long ago, remember) whom they can underpay and take advantage of. I love the anti-immigrant commentors that go on to actually SUPPORT Swift. They are the problem morons!!!! It is companies like Swift that hire illegals, thereby creating a motivation for folks to risk life and limb to get here. Be careful who you support....the big corporations love this kind of blind right-wing, knee-jerk PR. This is a cut-and-dry management v. union conflict. Any Christian religious request would have been granted without question. Pure hypocrisy!!
September 11, 2008
midnight
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BRM writes:
Lorraine: while your Wikipedia-search and cut-and-paste skills are admirable this a contract issue between Mgmt. and the Union. Your Federal Dept. Of Labor quotes are moot. The workers were NOT claiming a violation of the DOL laws, they were simply asking for a temporary adjustment (not an elongation of) their break times. Seriously, ask yourself this: if a group of Red, White and Blue Christians were terminated en masse like this and they were simply asking their employer for time to PRAY, what would your response be? Just asking.
September 11, 2008
12:07 a.m.
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Sundog writes:
MarshallLynch- New Yorkers don't have a problem with muslims? Jeez, man, what does that hole in the ground represent to you? Don't tell me the human beings on the floors of those two trade centers (many of whom were stockbrokers) didn't have a big problem with muslims causing their lives to unexpectedly terminate in truly horrific fashion. Sorry, but I can't for a moment take such comments seriously, and if you were on Wall Street on 9/11 I'm absolutely certain that you would not be saying what you are saying.
I won't believe it based on the reality of what actually took place in NYC when you supposedly were there.
September 11, 2008
12:22 a.m.
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unemployedfarmer writes:
I've been unemployed for almost 3 years now and stories like this make me sick to my stomach. What is wrong with our country these days??? Does any company support American workers anymore? Why even open a company in this country if you're not going to hire our citizens you greedy jerks!
September 11, 2008
12:27 a.m.
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BRM writes:
Sundog: maybe New Yorkers, being exposed to a much more cosmopolitan populace on a daily-basis, are too informed to label ALL MUSLIMS personally responsible for 9/11 as you have. (Not to mention, plenty of Muslims died in the towers/Pentagon/PA too!) By your logic you must hold all Christians responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing then? Good ole' Bible-thumping white-boy terrorists they was! Judge things on their merits not what the news/GOP/Church tells you too, it's fun...free-thinking that is.
September 11, 2008
12:27 a.m.
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clyde writes:
This just reminds me that I have to pick up my Ramadan Ham tomorrow. If you want to work, work. If you don't, don't. If your employer expects you to be at work and you're not there without a VALID excuse, bye, bye.
September 11, 2008
12:31 a.m.
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BRM writes:
To unemployedfarmer: "Why even open a company in this country if you're not going to hire our citizens you greedy jerks!"
One word: PROFITS!
September 11, 2008
12:33 a.m.
unemployedfarmer writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 11, 2008
12:40 a.m.
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BRM writes:
unemployedfarmer: People around the world say the same vitriolic BS about American Christians....yadda, yadda, yadda. Your voting for McCain though, right? Blame the GOP for the influx of illegals if that is your beef! GOP=Large Corporation Enabler=Higher profits at all cost=more illegals. Simple math!
September 11, 2008
12:42 a.m.
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BRM writes:
Don't get me wrong. I am not defending Muslims over any other religious group. I think they are ALL equally crazy!!
September 11, 2008
1:02 a.m.
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BRM writes:
Lazyfarmer: Seriously? Unemployed for 3 years? Are you just looking in the "Farmers Wanted" section of the local classifieds? I know of at least 150 Somalis that beat you to a job interview. Buck up man!
September 11, 2008
1:09 a.m.
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arby writes:
Unemployedfarmer
There is a job for you in Greeley at the Swift plant. Or would you rather cry than work?
The Muslims thought they had Swift over a barrel because they could scream religious discrimination. I'm glad Swift had the stomach to fire them. Now they can return to Somalia and practice their religion and Ramadan year around until they starve to death. Jerks
September 11, 2008
1:14 a.m.
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BRM writes:
I'm sure that 150 newly-arrived Somalis thought, "yeah, we've got this huge multi-national 'over a barrel'". They were probably lucky to have their jobs but unyielding in their dogmatic beliefs. Sounds like almost every American I know. Are they jerks too?
September 11, 2008
1:22 a.m.
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arby writes:
If Swift had 300 Muslims working at the Greeley plant and probably a few hundred at other plants it seems the smart ones came to work with a Snickers bar and a bottle of water. What made these immigrants here on US work permits think they could high jack an American compny and inconveniance their fellow workers. They worked an assembly line with other non Muslim employees. Everybody has to start and stop at the same time. Even an African immigrant here at the discretion of the US government should be able to understand that. Total jerks pull their visas.
September 11, 2008
1:27 a.m.
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BRM writes:
Snickers! That's good. ROFL
September 11, 2008
1:27 a.m.
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arby writes:
BRM
Why are you defending these idiots? They had the opportuniy of their lives and they blew it. It makes no difference whether they were manipulated by their Imam or the union. They aren't smart enough to se tomorrow and we don't need them or their offspring here.
September 11, 2008
1:35 a.m.
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BRM writes:
...and you think Swift will be staffing their jobs with good-ole white "Americans?!?!?!" Your missing the point, Swift is at fault loooong before the Somali employees start complaining. Swift is looking to hire anyone but a in-the-states-legally wanting-a-fair-wage-worker. That does not fit their business model. They would hire Osama himself if the stockholders remained happy. And I'm not defending anyone's goofball religious rituals, I'm merely pointing out the rampant xenophobia that has crippled this country. A group of white-Christians workers makes this a non-story.
September 11, 2008
1:51 a.m.
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ColoradoNative writes:
Good riddance... What are people from terrorist-filled toilets doing here anyway? Somalia is an al-Qaida hell hole. The attitude of Muslim migrants never ceases to amaze. They constantly want us to cater to them, alter our way of doing business for them, change our schools for them and on and on. In Italy they demanded that Italian schools rip crucifixes off their walls, in England they demanded that schools change their menus to suit the Islamic diet. These people are a plague. Send them packing.
September 11, 2008
2:20 a.m.
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arby writes:
I think we have the right to be a little leary of a known criminal until he/she has proven they are reformed. Well we have the same right to be suspicious of someone who belongs to a religion that has vowed to destroy us and has attacked us many times.
Maybe Swift isn't the most moral employer in the country, but they gave thes people the best opportunity they were ever going to get and the dummys blew it over their religion.
Since when does someone here on a work visa get to set the rules? I have worked abroad and I abided by the rules of the country I was in. No questions asked. If you are a guest you accomadate the host. I hope ICE begins deportation tomorrow. Since they are no longer employed their visas are invalid and they should not be allowed to remain in the USA.
September 11, 2008
3:50 a.m.
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seeker writes:
I did some checking on these workers and found out they were brought here from refugee camps. They have been the vitims of genocide. The women raped and families, including children murdered. This has been on many news shows. Most of them have no say in where they are placed. A husband may be in Greeley but his wife and children may be in Seattle. Many of them cannot read or write. Coming from the camps with little or no food in the worst of conditions they believe America to be paradise. The dispute seemed to start over breaks. They are supposed to get 3 breaks if they work 8 hrs & 12 min but say they work 11-12 hr with only 2 breaks. During their holy month they wanted to make sure that on Fridays for 30 days they could get the 3rd break that they were entitled to anyway at 7:30 pm for prayer. It was agreed that this would happen and last Friday they were told the deal was off. Someone was negotiating this for them so I am not clear if they were encouraged to walk out.
It's easy to get Americanized quickly. I hired a "new American" immigrant as a truck driver some years ago who started out gung ho on America working hard with a great attitude and after 6 mos it was too hard and he wanted a $3 an hr raise! Ha! Funny how quickly they turn into us! Anyway they walked out and now they have no jobs. Don't give Swift too many high fives though...remember, these are the guys who dumped their work force for illegals and got raided by the Feds. They lost 270 workers and that's how they ended up with another group of exploitable workers who have very little choice in how they make a living. These jobs are very unpleasant but someone has to do them. Remember....this administration agreed to help these refugees. Give them credit for their humanity. Give these people a break at least for the horror they lived through in Somalia.
September 11, 2008
4:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
roger44 writes:
Folks, swift is not an American company. Swift sold out after the raids to JBS SA, the SA stands for south America. they are the largest beef packers in the world, and you can bet their other plants employ foreign workers so their bottom line is high. Brazil is their country of origin. In my opinion, they did the right thing, but them bringing in foreign workers on H1B visas to work is BS. Swift used to pay good wages, hired illegals and the pay dropped by half. bet the price of their products never dropped did it? here's the question, if they brought them in, who pays for them going back if that's necessary? bet it's the American taxpayer!
September 11, 2008
5:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
ksells writes:
Read the book "The Jungle".
It talks about the way these meat companies exploit immigrants. It's a classic. Especially because nothing has changed over a hundred years. Then it was Irish, now it's Muslims. But the fact is that the company uses people and has the company and the people in charge at all levels are beneath contempt.
September 11, 2008
5:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
ksells writes:
Now Swift has fired all these people. They aren't going to be able to hire legal employees to replace them for the wages that they offer. What third world country are they are going to go to next? They fire employees who come from one of the most terrible places now. Maybe a good spot would be Georgia or Iraq.
September 11, 2008
6:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
DeimosJB writes:
There may be some legal consequences for such a firing tying back to Title VII of the 1964 civil rights act. However, it is my belief that a company should be able to hire and fire anyone they want, and that consumers should voice their approval or disapproval by either buying from or boycotting that company. That's capitalism 101.
September 11, 2008
6:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
I don't believe you can force your religion upon your employer, if it's part of thier union contract that would be discrimnatory in itself. The courts have never allowed an employer to endorse religion in the work place, thus by walking out they in effect quit. This was not a skilled labor position to begin with, for which there were severe shortages; that leads me to question immigration in giving out the visas to begin with. Swift needs to hire Americans and pay a living wage instead of exploiting 3rd world labor markets. Meat packing used to be a 12 to 18 dollar an hour job with benifits, now it's below 10 because of the corporate explotation of foriegn or illegal laborers. That doesn't sound like good union representation to me, to have lost that much ground in addition to allowing illegals and 3rd world labor to be imported. You can't force others to have to honor your religion in the work place, some have no belief, others have different beliefs, some will antagonize others if it's forced down thier throats, and to do so is discrimnatory in itself. Can I walk around the packing house saying Mohammed was a giggalo, who married a rich widow, and today muslim women are nothing but chattels to serve a man's needs? No, of course not. By the same token why do they think they can force thier belief upon others in the work place or thier employer to discriminate in thier favor? The employer wants to give them a holiday, that's fine; can he be forced to, or have it written in a union contract? I don't think so; others could then sue for discrimination as the contract would be favoring religion. There is a reason we seperate the religion from the public sector, it discriminates against those who do not have these beliefs. They walked out, it was thier choice. Allah Akbar is noble, but they are out of a job and no court is going to force an employer to give religious preferences over the work place knowing it will discriminate against others. RTD threw me off a bus and called the cops because I told a born again preaching bus driver, "God is dead."! Cops came and explained to the idiot it was my right. I could have lawyered up, but the police came and settled the matter along with calls to Barbara Broale on the board of RTD. I'm a catholic, but even I according to this man was going to Hell. He should have caught on when he asked me if I had a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, and I replied, "I talked to his mother this morning!". But no, he then kicked me off because finally I told him "God is dead". He kicked me off and called the cops who searched my person. Once he openned his mouth to the cops, he sunk his own arguement and I was allowed to go free. Imagine I'm in this packing house calling Mohhamed a giggalo? Thats why religion has to be seperated, it discriminates by recognition of it's own beliefs verses the opinion an beliefs of others.
September 11, 2008
6:43 a.m.
Suggest removal
Lemmingsfollowidiots writes:
Freedom of Religion is not a right at the work place it is only that the government can not impose a national religion on everyone and you can practice your beliefs ON YOUR TIME! GO SWIFT, so tired of everyone DEMANDING Special Rights that only the MUSLIMS or MINORITIES get. Equal Rights for EVERYONE, regardless of skin color or religion!
September 11, 2008
6:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
Von123 writes:
Have any of you whiners ever held a job? No company can operate if every employee does what they want and there was chaos. These people took the job willingly and knew the expectations. There were not forced to take the job. Nothing in this article says these people were illiterate and if they were learn like everyone else. If you think this makes others hate us, go to that country and see how you fare... you would not be speaking so freely. You liberals should take these people home with you and support them.
September 11, 2008
6:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
Sixtysixdeuce writes:
"i understand we are an "at will" state, i wonder if the law still provides for any religous protections for these people"
Hiring and firing decisions cannot be based on religion (or sex, race, creed, etc.). But at will means an employer or employee can terminate at any time and without reason.
But Swift had a reason, a good one. I don't think there are very many of us who would still be employed if we didn't show up to work for a couple of days without a real good reason-especially after being warned that another no-show would result in termination.
I work 7-6 M-F. I don't expect my employer to make time during those 55 hours to accomodate my personal, extracurricular activities. I do that on my own time. Appearently, these folks just couldn't understand that concept and it cost them their jobs. As it should.
September 11, 2008
6:53 a.m.
SheikYurBooty writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 11, 2008
7:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
Michael writes:
These Somali Muslims have a right to express their religious beliefs and adhere to them. Swift has a right to run their business as they see fit. 2 sets of rights running head first into each other - as happens in this country many times every day. The rights of the Somali Muslims do not extend infinitley, as none of our rights are absolute. It appears that negotiations were held to try to find a compromise and that the workers were told clearly not to walk out or they would lose their jobs. They CHOSE....once again, they CHOSE to not adhere to that demand by their employer and therefore they were terminated. I have been asked to work on Christian holidays in my work history - Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, Thanksgiving (a secular holiday with Christian origins), and others not so well known but holy days nonetheless. That is the nature of work and jobs in America. It would appear that many new arrivals want the US to conform to their 3rd world way of doing things where we see dozens of so called "holy days" being observed throughout the Middle East. Personally I have always viewed these as simply ways to not work. I would like to know how many Christian holy days are given as time off for Christians working in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait or Somalia or Dubai or China??? Let's compare which countries are most tolerant in this area when it comes to religious beliefs of immigrants living and working in the the host country. We all know the answer to that one, considering the mere possession of a Christian Bible in most of these countries is grounds for immediate deportation or even much worse.
September 11, 2008
7:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
YIOTA, if they were discriminated because of the color of thier skin, I have news for them. The packing company is one place that employs people of all colors and nationalities, specifically targeting minority workers just by thier past employment records alone. Religion is not something and employer has to accomendate; they were firesd for walking off the job. The one thing that I can honestly say is the packing houses favor minority employment, that's why they were hired there without any discrimination. They chose to walk out, the employer didn't force them out. When told to go back to work they refused, fine. I wonder how they got the visas to begin with since meatpackers are not in shortage nor such a specialize job as to warrant mass immigration status. Swift is justified in firing them for walking off the job, in an unauthorized strike even according to thier union who did not call the strike. If the company's accomendation of them, put an undue hardship on other employees who didn't share thier belief, the company surely did discriminate by favoring thier beliefs over others of different beliefs. Hope they do take it to court, lets see how it goes, I'm interested. Then others can wear images of the prophet to work, if the court rules the employer must accomendate religions and beliefs!
September 11, 2008
7:18 a.m.
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1968camaro writes:
Hire Americans to take their places!
September 11, 2008
7:21 a.m.
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Duckster writes:
HopiMedicineMan writes: "Now we're concerned about Muslims buying huge portions of this country. They're tougher than you people. We'll have a real challenge."
Not even, pal. And we haven't even begun playing "Cowboys and Muslims" yet. Ya might want to start making room on your reservations for some new neighbors.
September 11, 2008
7:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
ActualThinker writes:
The truth is there may be some legal issues here, it is not nearly as simple as they can be fired for anything, if you look below at the reasonable accomodations for religious beliefs it appears on the outside that the Muslim workers may have a case. It's a company larger than 15 people, they stated their needs in advance, the request could have been "reasonably accomodated" (they were asking to switch break times), Swift failed to show how doing so would cause them a undue hardship, etc.
Excerpts from www.adl.com (space wouldnt let me quote whole thing but it can be found at: http://www.adl.org/religious_freedom/...
What does federal law require of an employer?
Federal law requires an employer to “reasonably accommodate” an employee’s religious observances, practices and beliefs. However, an employer need not “reasonably accommodate” if the employer can show that accommodation would cause an “undue hardship” on business.
What constitutes “reasonable accommodation” and “undue hardship” depends on the facts in a particular situation. Regardless of whether an accommodation is ultimately possible, the employer bears the burden of showing that a serious attempt was made.
Are all employers required to try to accommodate their employees’ religious needs?
The federal law applies only to companies with more than 15 employees, although your state’s law may protect employees of smaller companies.
What is a “reasonable accommodation”?
Requested accommodations vary — an employee may need a particular day off each year for a religious holiday; or to refrain from work every week on his or her Sabbath; or to wear religious garb; or to have a place to pray. An employer must try to arrange for these religious obligations.
An employer may not simply refuse to accommodate an employee. If the employer claims that accommodation is not feasible because it would result in undue hardship, the employer must demonstrate the effect accommodation would have on the business; that is, the employer must prove the undue hardship.
September 11, 2008
7:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
PRAYFORTHEKIDS writes:
I don't understand why if I only get a 10 minute break and they because they have a certain religion gets preferential treatment, I feel that is unfair to me. Regardless of religion, all employees should be treated equally. Religion does not belong in the workplace. I also don't understand that smokers get extra breaks because they need to go outside to satisfy their addiction. Again here I am working and only getting a 10 minute break.
All employees should be treated equally.
September 11, 2008
7:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
NotUrFriend writes:
Nice to see Swift grow some kahoonah's here. :) I feel bad that their employment was terminated but frankly, if you fail to perform the bare essential tast of showing up and performing your work schedule than its your own failing. I am Christian and find myself forced (not always) to work days that go against my faith.
But work is work. If this had been any other group, the treatment would have been far harshier.
I.
PS I wont debate my opinion here. At least not today.
September 11, 2008
7:33 a.m.
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mexcellent writes:
So did you guys hear Britney Spears is coming out with a new album?
September 11, 2008
7:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
incognitoboy writes:
marshalllynch@9;49PM - what an ignorant thing to say. send all the lower-middle class to mexico?
yeah, then you can step behind the counter at starbucks and get your own d*** latte you ignorant elitist ahole. who you gonna call when your plumbing breaks? are plumbers millionaires like yourself? or do you just go down to the local manhattan home depot and get the parts yourself? oh, that's right ..... the manhattan home depot had to close because they couldn't get enough lower middle class workers to stock the shelves. they all went to mexico where they can afford the heating bills!
you'll get laid off alright...... after you and your wall street buddies profit-grab the country into the ground and the chinese come over to collect what they're owed. go ahead and try to hide in your mcmansion on long island. they'll find you there too.
your arrogance is offensive, jaggoff. i hope your mercedes gets carjacked.
September 11, 2008
7:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
tiero writes:
It's about time. Send them to Dearborn & take the illegals with you and try to bring Greely back to american control.
I was wondering if our government set up these muslims like the asians of the late '60s and early seventies. For 5 years, our government exempted taxes to the people they brought over to this sanctuary country so they could get their feet on the ground. I don't recall our government doing this for our own citizens.
My sister-in-law worked in payroll for a packing plant in northeastern Nebraska and those people didn't pay taxes and lived many to house. SOUND FAMILIAR
September 11, 2008
7:50 a.m.
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youngman writes:
I would transfer them to the pork packing plant....
September 11, 2008
7:59 a.m.
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ptorres writes:
I will bet any person lunch that reads this comment that the EECO will take this case on and we will have to pay a price increase for our bacon.
September 11, 2008
8 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
tiero,
Would that happen to be IBP in S Sioux City, NE?
September 11, 2008
8:01 a.m.
Suggest removal
kali73 writes:
Do you think I could get Christmas off if I worked in the Middle East? The company made reasonable accommodations, and there are plenty of other illegals that can replace them...so take it or leave it. Besides, isn't this what sick days are for?
September 11, 2008
8:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
toocool writes:
Thanks Lorraine, your contribution that screamed common sense as well as what the law is, oh, unions do not pass or inforce state or federal laws.
September 11, 2008
8:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
LadyBird112 writes:
I hate genralizing about people, but I will tell you, most of the Muslims I have met (and I have met A LOT) come to this country and expect Americans to bend over backwards for them. Um, no. Now, before someone comes on here and attacks me for that comment, I know not all Muslims are like that, I just haven't met any yet.
I think the company did the right thing, I've had to work on holidays too, did I complain? Nope. I knew I had to be there because it was my job. And I agree with the post above, you would be laughed at if you tried to get Christmas off in the Middle East.
September 11, 2008
8:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
fntsymtn writes:
I suspect that these these workers were not fired for their religious beliefs or for their request for changes to company policy to accommodate their beliefs. I suspect they were fired for leaving work and not reporting for following shifts, but the truth will definitely come out in legal proceedings.
As for accommodating their religious beliefs, it is difficult to tell from what has been reported what Swift actually allowed, but I do know that in industries such as health care, you are required to work on holidays ... even religious holidays ... and the policies generally allow workers in departments to alternate or trade who works on which holidays so that no one is "stuck" working on Christmas or Easter every year. There are other jobs that do not close for holidays (think transportation, law enforcement, hospitality, etc.) and employees are required to work on the holidays. The "people are not required to work on Christmas" argument is pointless because some people are required to work on Christmas, and it's part of their employment contract.
A non-planned break for 70% of your workforce at any time will be disruptive to business, such as the walkout at 9:30 by these employees.
September 11, 2008
8:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
jbowen43 writes:
You can bet that Swift treats Christians and Jews better than Muslims.
September 11, 2008
8:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
ActualThinker writes:
ptorres writes:
"I will bet any person lunch that reads this comment that the EECO will take this case on and we will have to pay a price increase for our bacon."
You would see that increase anyway since half the people here think Swift should be forced to pay $20/hr to get a white to do this job, even though it requires no skills. Where you think that price increase is getting added too?
LadyBird112 writes:
"I hate genralizing about people, but I will tell you, most of the Muslims I have met (and I have met A LOT) come to this country and expect Americans to bend over backwards for them."
Ummm no. In the technology industry I work with a lot of Muslims, and my best friend is a Muslim and I spend a lot of time with him and his family. Muslim's in general from what I met are one of the most misunderstood group's I know. This is not at all how they are, everyone I've met is extremely hard working, but devoted to their faith as well. Sometimes those two things are going to clash as what happened here. Besides if you were expecting American's to just bend over backwards for you then would you really take a job at a crappy meat packing plant anyway? I do know people who expect the world to bend over backwards for them and lets just say they aren't the meat packing type.
September 11, 2008
8:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
Miss_Kitty_Kat_Girl writes:
Swift hireds a certain type of people - immigrant (both types). Immigrants are going to have remnants of their cultures, religions and such. Most likely they came here because they could practice freely, without result of persecution, afterall, that's why the protestants came here. I don't understand why Swift management couldn't find a way to meet the needs of its employees and still make big profits. Is management just not that smart? It's not about catering to the needs of a certain type of religious people, it's about negotiation, which all union and contract employees have a right to do - negotiate the contract afterall that's the American Way.
I also see that yes, immigrants who do come here have to assimilate to the larger mainstream culture and should have had a backup plan for their religious needs if Swift refused to meet the needs requested, however, they are exercising their rights (at least the ones who are here legally) and Swift gave them the opportunity, that too is the American Way - exercising rights and Swift is getting a big huge lesson in exercising.
As American Citizens we all have the right to megotiate. We don't just have to do what the "Man" tells us to do. We all have family or kids who need our care in certain situations are you going to tell your mom, dad, or child that you can't take care of them when their sick because work doesn't allow me to leave?
Negotiation is what it's all about and Swift refused so now the ACLU will come after them and that's no one's fault but their own.
So if you want to get mad, get mad at Swift like BRM pointed out as their the ones who are hiring these types of people.
September 11, 2008
8:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
ltcolafret writes:
No work, no pay.
No pay, no stay.
No stay, go away!
September 11, 2008
8:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
LadyBird112 writes:
Actual Thinker, maybe you should actually read the rest of the post. I think you skipped this part that I wrote:
"Now, before someone comes on here and attacks me for that comment, I know not all Muslims are like that, I just haven't met any yet."
September 11, 2008
8:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
arby writes:
Lets not lose sight of the main thing here. These people are here at the discrection of our government. They do not have the right to tell us what to do nor do they have the right to sue. Their visas are for a specific job for a specific employer at a specific place. Since they in effect quit when they walked out Swift was within its rights to not let them come back and since they are no longer employed they no longer have the right to be here. Round them up and ship them out. If it costs a few bucks to do so that's OK good riddance to bad rubbish.
Remember what today is and dig out that old Tshirt you forgot wear last year.
September 11, 2008
8:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
JSeifert writes:
Good for Swift its time to fight these lazy Unions they are killing America its their fault that all the jobs are going overseas! Its the same way they are trying to fight the right to work on the ballot this November. They want their greedy fingers in our pockets they are worse then the MOB. Its time to brake their hold on American jobs. Its time to end their influance in America. If you want to work then WORK! I am tired of these people demanding this then demanding that to the point everyone loses their jobs because the company has to move or go broke.
I say round them all up and deport their butts back to that fly ridin pest hole they called a country. Want to bang your head three times a day do it on your time I do not get prayer time so why should you. We in America should not change for them they need to change for us period. They can not do it put them back on the boat to the salt flats for all I care.
September 11, 2008
8:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
GILPINMAN writes:
If my employees walked off the job they would be FIRED! They are here to do a job if they can't or won't do it they can go some where else!
September 11, 2008
9:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
patchsl writes:
As a Christian, if I demanded my employer accomodate me taking breaks when I wanted to accept Communion or pray, guess what would happen? I would be fired - and rightfully so - I willingly agreed to work the hours my employer offered. If the schedule doesn't work for me, I can find other employment. No one has a God-given right to any job - it's a mutually-agreed contract between employer and employee. Please stand up to those who want to hold private businesses hostage and help stop this madness!
September 11, 2008
9:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
lcs067 writes:
Marshall Lynch - glad you went to New York. No one wants you here anyway. You are smug, arrogant, and apparently lack all empathy for others. Appealing characteristics. Of course the system works for you - you're white, male, and working in finance. You fit a certain mold. Not everyone is like you (thank God).
Go Obama!!
I believe Swift was perfectly within their rights. What a ridiculous demand. Religious practice is separate from work. The employer is under no obligation to provide special accommodations to any religious group. I agree with others who have commented that it's a sad state of affairs when we have such a high unemployment rate that white people can't get jobs yet immigrants are trying to take over.
September 11, 2008
9:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
HopiMedicineMan, when are the Indians going back to their ancestral homelands......... Asia? You want whites to go back to Europe, and blacks to Africa I suppose, so you're also saying Indians should go back to Asia? Since there isn't any group of people indigenous to North America, it must be what you want, right?
September 11, 2008
9:43 a.m.
Suggest removal
NotUrFriend writes:
Patches,
Well hello there my Fellow Christian :) I agree. I would like special treatment, sure, but that isn't fair. The Christian community is the largest on earth, nearly twice (2.2-2.6 billion*) the size of Muslims and accounts for 7 to 8 of every ten persons living in this country. If we grouped together we could demand almost anything....But we don't. That shows the differance of charactar and level of maturity (recently*) between our group and theirs.
I.
PS Islam isnt the fastest growing Religion either. Studies show that the birthrate is higher among them, but the conversion (adult) rate is far larger and growing quite quickly between Muslims to Christian. (though they have to hide, as Islam commands the death penalty for it, which is strictly enforced throughout Europe and now recently stateside.)
September 11, 2008
9:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
mexcellent writes:
Yes, let's get them all outta here. All those immigrant scum who were born here generations after their very own grandmothers and grandfathers IMMIGRATED here. Let's deport these people who were given America on a platter and have no concept of immigration and what it's like to journey here. Let's return these conservative republicans who would never compromise their love of God for anything, not even their job. Good thing your religious holidays include shopping sprees, a quick donation to the church, and egg hunts rather than actual prayer. Go back to where you don't have to worry about other ethnicities wanting you to bend over backwards for attention. GO!
September 11, 2008
9:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
lcs067, nice racist rant there buddy.
September 11, 2008
9:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
redwhiteandBLUE writes:
These people cry discrimination eveywhere they work..even at
Arrowwheat Co.
September 11, 2008
10 a.m.
Suggest removal
timeandagain writes:
you mean to tell me that these are the people that have been handling my meat all these years?
September 11, 2008
10:03 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
timeandagain,
Next time remove the blindfold!
September 11, 2008
10:10 a.m.
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Mtn__Gator writes:
AmaranthArticia writes:
"That's BS. I support these workers and their religious rights. Give 'em hell, ACLU!"
Wow, you have never run a company have you? They choose not to work, Swift choose not to pay those who don't work, how hard is that to understand?
September 11, 2008
10:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
geezIget_it writes:
No more purchasing Swift products. They can't hire American citizens? Come on American's this has got to come to a stop!!
September 11, 2008
10:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
O_TRAIN writes:
Religion aside, if you are an employee and don't get all the specifics of your employment in writing, before you start working you are SOL. Employer/Employee both have responsibilities to follow the contract. I learned that lesson the hard way as I'm sure many others have. These folks learned that lesson as well - time to stock up on some Top Raman(dan).
September 11, 2008
10:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
Mtn__Gator writes:
Right on Swift! Thanks for showing you have the BALZ to get rid of these people! No Work = No Job.
September 11, 2008
10:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
NotUrFriend writes:
Heidi,
Was wondering where you were :) didn't notice you anywhere on here. To early in the day huh?
Timeadagian...Yep. Pretty surprisin huh?
Its funny, I chat with a person who has a name almost just like that on Y.I.M.
I.
September 11, 2008
10:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
jajknight writes:
Hi Swift - I'm brainwashed by a bronze age book. My parents helped to brainwash me since I was a child. I brainwash my own children like my parents did to me. Now I need to starve myself for a period of time because the book says so. After that's done I will need to leave work to eat something while the other employees continue doing their job. Will you accomodate my brainwashing? Thanks.
September 11, 2008
10:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
NotUrFriend writes:
MTN_Gater,
My thoughts as well ;)
I.
September 11, 2008
10:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
MyFriend,
I've been lurking around. My day starts at 5:30 am. Apparently, I haven't had anything intelligent to add today.
September 11, 2008
10:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
NotUrFriend writes:
Heidi,
Ditto. The smartest thing I did today (SO far!) was avoid a stick to the crouch that my dog wanted me to fetch this morning. She's such a demanding lil' thing. Now I'm here...At work. The smartest thing I'll accomplish today is eating and than sleeping.
I.
September 11, 2008
10:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
The smartest thing I could have done today was stay in bed. And I would have been paid for a sick day!
September 11, 2008
10:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
philvysor writes:
Ok, The one thing everyone is not seeing is these people were in the the union and I beleive that the Union officials delivered some bad advice to these people. I was in the union for 12 years and the reps. for our local use to always give us bad advice. I believe that Swift made every effort to accomadate these workers but their union directed them the wrong way.
September 11, 2008
11 a.m.
Suggest removal
gr8fuldude writes:
Since this is a union job, should this have not been negotiated into the contract, as break times and work hours usually are? If not, the union and the employees should blame themselves and remember for their next contract negotiation. Part of the downside of a union contract is being locked in and not being able to continue negotiating after the fact, even if you want to cloak it in the guise of "religious tolerance" or any similar name.
Another thing to consider is that these jobs are assembly line type positions. Not like being a salaried office person. If they walk off the line, there will be ramifications.
September 11, 2008