Canadian Security Magazine

Toronto tells contractors to rehire Sikh security guards laid off over facial hair

The Canadian Press   

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The City of Toronto says it will ensure all of its security contractors accommodate and rehire Sikh employees who were removed from their positions due to a conflict between their facial hair required by their religion and COVID-19 rules.

The World Sikh Organization had complained to the city on behalf of more than 100 Sikh security guards, who they say were required to wear N95 masks sealed directly to the face — a rule that wouldn’t allow for facial hair.

A statement from the city says that N95 masks are required in shelters were a COVID-19 outbreak is occurring.

The World Sikh Organization says security contractors laid off some of its Sikh guards and moved others to alternative sites, though they say such relocations often come with demotions in rank and salary.

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The city says it has directed its contractors to immediately reinstate anyone who was terminated and that employees should be accommodated in other city settings, including in shelters not in outbreak.

The World Sikh Organization is calling on the city to reinstate all guards to their original positions and compensate them for any missed or demoted time.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2022.

News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc. 2022

 


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