Chick-fil-A, famously closed on Sundays, sued for religious discrimination

Chick-fil-A is widely recognized for its policy of closing every Sunday, a tradition established by founder S. Truett Cathy in 1946. However, a Texas-based franchise operator is now facing a federal lawsuit alleging that while the company prioritizes rest for its staff, it failed to respect the religious commitments of a specific employee.

A Legal Dispute Over Sabbath Observance

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Hatch Trick Inc., a Chick-fil-A franchise operator located in Austin, Texas. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the federal agency accuses the operator of religious discrimination. The official complaint highlights the case of employee Laurel Torode, a member of the United Church of God. According to the filing, Torode was assured upon her hiring in 2023 that she would be granted time off from Friday at sunset through Saturday to observe her Sabbath.

Although this arrangement was initially honored, the lawsuit claims that Torode was later pressured to work on Saturdays. When she stood her ground, she was allegedly offered a demotion from fleet supervisor to a delivery driver role, which would have resulted in lower pay, fewer hours, and reduced benefits. Despite proposing alternative solutions, Torode was eventually terminated.

Federal Law and Religious Accommodations

The lawsuit asserts that these actions violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by failing to provide reasonable accommodation for the employee’s faith. Ronald L. Phillips, the acting EEOC Dallas Regional Attorney, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “The duty under federal law to provide reasonable accommodation of religion reflects an acknowledgement by our society of the importance of faith in workers’ everyday lives.” He added that the EEOC remains prepared to enforce the employer’s mandatory duty under Title VII.

The Chick-fil-A Standard

For decades, the chain has upheld its company website's stated mission of providing employees a day of rest to spend with family or engage in worship. In this instance, however, the plaintiff is seeking a jury trial to address the alleged discrimination. Torode is currently requesting back pay, reinstatement to her previous seniority level, and compensation for mental anguish and suffering resulting from her termination.

205focus.com will continue to monitor updates regarding this legal challenge as they become available.