Legal Question in Employment Law in Pennsylvania

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I am from Pennsylvania, I worked for a private companied call GEO inc. that privatize in corrections after 8 years of employment GEO inc gave there contract up and a new company called Community Education Corrections took over on 1/1/2009 I recieved a letter of commitment to take the job offer. prior to Jan 1. Once CEC took over on Jan 1 they gave me and others employess to the following monday to cut my dreadlocks off or we will be terminate. My dreadlocks are apart of my culture and my religon in which i represent for the last 10 years. Although i place them in a bun in a rubber band it still does not satisfied the employer. The hand book states hair above the collar and but does not specify for men to cut hair. Although i am on 90 day prohbation is that legal for them to fired male employees with dreadlocks.


Asked on 1/05/09, 6:00 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Solomon Weinstein Solomon Weinstein, Esquire

Re: Help

YOU MAY HAVE A claim based on religious discrimination. There aree other issues involved as well concerning the nature of your job and whether length or hair style poses a safety or health risk. You should contact an attorney to speak to and do so immediately as there are time frames for bringing a potential action or filing a cliam with the eeoc or Pennsylvania Human Relations Commision.

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Answered on 1/06/09, 10:04 am
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Help

You asked about being required to cut your dreads for a job.

As with many things legal, whether they can make that demand is dependent on the particular circumstances. If the dreads pose a reasonable safety issue then the dreads may have to go. But if the dreads will not reasonably pose a safety issue, it is part of your religion (culture is not protected), and male and female long hair are treated differently then there may be a claim to save the dreads.

You need to speak with an employment attorney about your particular situation.

Regards,

Roger

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Answered on 1/05/09, 6:56 pm


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