Chick-fil-A franchise sued over managers alleged firing for observing Saturday sabbath
Chick-fil-A’s famous policy of closing on Sundays has landed one Texas franchisee in hot water with the federal government after a manager was allegedly fired for refusing to work on her Saturday sabbath.The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Hatch Trick, a Chick-fil-A franchise operator in the Austin area, accusing the company of religious discrimination.It allegedly tried to force employee Laurel Torode, a member of the United Church of God, to work Saturdays despite initially agreeing to accommodate her faith.According to the lawsuit, Torode disclosed during her job interview that she observed the sabbath from Friday sunset through Saturday sunset as part of her religious beliefs.The United Church of God is a relatively small Christian denomination that broke off from the Worldwide Church of God in the 1990s and is known for observing the sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset instead of worshipping on Sundays.The franchise allegedly honored the arrangement with Torode before reversing course months later and demanding she work Saturdays.When Torode objected, Hatch Trick offered her a demotion to a delivery driver position that came with lower pay, reduced benefits and fewer hours, according to the EEOC.After she declined, the company fired her, the lawsuit claims.According to the complaint, Torode informed Braker Lane restaurant director Faye Campbell and Parmer Lane restaurant director Jeremy Jenkins during her August 2023 interview that she could not work Saturdays because of her sabbath observance.The lawsuit alleges that Hatch Trick owner Jeff Glover later rejected several proposed scheduling alternatives that would have allowed Torode to remain in her managerial role while continuing to observe her sabbath.News of the lawsuit was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The Post has sought comment from Chick-fil-A, the EEOC and Hatch Trick.The case has drawn attention because Chick-fil-A itself has long highlighted its Christian roots ...