Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Virginia

Illegal law at my work

I work at a vegetarian/vegan grocery store. Around 15 of the 30 employees eat meat/egg products in their daily life. The head manager has created a new rule which is highly offensive to half of the store. They said all employees are not allowed to eat Meat or Egg products, anything containing them. While on store premises. Not even in the breakroom. While a chinese place that sells meat rents from us, and their customers use our outdoor patio. Even on your day off, if you eat meat or eggs on the patio, you will be fired. Some employees have contacted the E.O.C and lawyers about it. The store is open to all relgions of all kind and their practices, but part of the christian religion is eatting meat. Also this rule which is in the employee handbook, they will not allow employees to have a copy of it, it must stay in the office. All part time employees get a paid 15 minute break, but if you go eat meat/eggs somewhere, you must clock out and you lose that paid time. So what are my options? I know they cannot do this. Thank you


Asked on 3/20/08, 10:41 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Illegal law at my work

Yes, I believe that this employer can do legally what you've described and I would very much doubt that any EEOC lawyer or other person who reviews a complaint regarding this policy will find a legal basis to challenge it either on federal or state grounds in an employment at will jurisdiction such as the Commonwealth of Virginia.

(And, no, I believe it raises no credible issues of violation or curtailment of religious freedom on First Amendment grounds.)

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Answered on 3/20/08, 10:48 am


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