Hertz has suspended 34 Muslim shuttle drivers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for praying on company time.
The company says the drivers are required to clock out, under terms of a settlement two years ago with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Drivers told the Seattle Times they were sent home last week for praying. Teamsters Local 117, which represents the workers, is trying to get them back on the job.
The union represents about 79 drivers at Hertz who earn between $9 and $10 an hour. About 70% of them are Muslims. Many Muslims pray five times a day. — Sapa-AP