robinson@princeton.UUCP (Toby Robison) (02/23/85)
I am posting this as a useful bit of info and a request for relevant info. I would appreciate personal replies, since I may not be able to follow the public ones. What follows is a statement of policy made to me by an employee of EDS, Electronic Data Systems, which is (since October) a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors. I am responsible for any inaccuracies in relateing what I heard, but please note, this is not inference or inuendo, it was a clear statement made in the course of normal business. (Please note also that like everything it is subject to change without notice) EDS is a customer service organization. Therefore they require that all employees be avaliable at all times to answer customer requests for assistance. Therefore they cannot hire anyone (Christian, Jewish or whatever) who must be unavailable on a regular basis for anuy part of the week. They will definitely terminate an interviewing process for this reason, even if a job candidate is otherwise satisfactory. Sabbath observers cannot be hired by them. From: Princeton!robison (not robinson!), looking for a job in computer or software development -- managing, project leading, product development, systems analysis or long-term planning. -- toby robison 609-924-7747
dave@lsuc.UUCP (David Sherman) (03/01/85)
If the information Toby posted is correct, then EDS should
be challenged in court for discriminatory practices. In Ontario,
such a challenge under the Human Rights Code would almost certainly
win. It doesn't matter whether or not EDS' intent is to discriminate
against observant Jews; if the effect of their practice is to so
discriminate, the Human Rights Commission will rule against them,
unless there is a compelling business reason for such a practice.
I do not believe that a company in the electronics or computer
business has a compelling business reason for having to be able
to call on every one of its employees every day of the week.
Most customer inquiries can be dealt with by more than one
person in an organization, or can wait a day.
I believe this practice, if it is in effect, should be reported
to the American Jewish Congress and/or B'nai Brith ADL to
determine whether legal action should be proceeded with.
Religious discrimination under the guise of business policy
should not be tolerated. However, I am not sure of the applicable
U.S. law on this issue.
Dave Sherman
The Law Society of Upper Canada
Toronto
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