Cargill violated workers' civil rights over prayer dispute, agency says

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says Cargill violated the civil rights of Somali-American Muslim employees at a Colorado meatpacking plant.

About 150 employees walked off the job at Cargill's Fort Morgan plant in December 2015 after they were allegedly barred from praying during breaks.

"Cargill management told these employees: 'You can either stay and work or go home and pray,'" said Laura Wolf, an attorney for the workers.

Wolf said the company dismissed employees who did not show up for work based on those orders.

If Cargill and the workers can't resolve the issue through conciliation, Wolf says the workers could sue in federal court.

The Minnesota-based company said it is disappointed in the EEOC decision. A statement said the company has provided religious accommodation to employees for many years and that policy has not changed.

Cargill said it respects religious freedom and the federal officials misinterpreted events.

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