Attaining Fairness in the Workplace with Employees of Diverse Religions: A South African Perspective; Sticking “Religiously” to Discrimination Principles

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2853_3.1.141

Authors: Marié McGregor

Abstract:

Many people in South Africa, a secular state, hold religion as central to their lives, including their working lives, where different religions are found. A balance has thus to be struck between the right to freedom of religion, the rights of co-employees and the employer. This article looks into circumstances in which an employee may be accommodated and when her/his freedom to religion may be limited. Case law and relevant laws will be discussed critically and guidelines will be given for employees and employers for discrimination cases based on religion.

Keywords: balance, right to equality, freedom of religion, religious-based discrimination, workplace