Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Is it legal for company's mgt/personel staffs involve in recruiting employees fo

Facts:

-Company's Chairman, his wife, brother-in-law & daughter in law are devoted in a religious group.

-Chairman�s house has been used as ''church'' for meetings.

-1996, LA office head had a co-worker asked me to join the group repeatedly. I was reluctant but gave in to the pressure although not at will.

-The religion requires you to be ''baptized'' before you are allowed to be in the �Church�. I had no choice but to go on because office head, department head, Chairman�s daughter-in-law and a staff from personnel dep. were all present. My job could be jeopardized if I did not obey.

-Monthly meetings often held by Chairman�s brother-in-law. He was a Senior VP then and is now an Executive VP who oversees general affair, accounting and personnel.

-Each time, the lady from personnel dep. ask those who might attend the meetings in office by phone or in person then gave out flyers if confirm.

-I had to attend the meetings often because I was single and did not have excuse like those with kids. I always have doubt about their teachings because I am experiencing a very different company philosophy at work.


Asked on 5/05/01, 10:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Kirschbaum Law Offices of Michael R. Kirschbaum

Re: Is it legal for company's mgt/personel staffs involve in recruiting employee

It is absolutely illegal for an employer to condition the benefits of employment on an employee's religious participation or belief. The exception to this is if your belief is a bona fide requirement for the job, such as religious counseling for a church. You may be subjected to harassment and discrimination. If so, see a local labor law attorney, or make an appointment with the nearest office of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

Read more
Answered on 6/19/01, 7:17 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Labor and Employment Law questions and answers in California