Philadelphia Transit Worker Fired for Refusing To Work on Rosh Hashanah
A janitorial worker for Philadelphia’s mass transit system is suing the agency for firing him after he refused to work on Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat.
Romel McAlpin, who belongs to the Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ, which preserves some Jewish holidays, said he informed the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA, of his beliefs when he was hired in May 2012, Philadelphia media reported.
McAlpin, who is backed in his lawsuit by the Transport Workers Union, said that the accommodations that SEPTA offered, involving seeking a shift swap from a specific class of worker, were too restrictive.
McAlpin was dismissed for his observance of Rosh Hashanah last year and for Shabbat on Oct. 12, also last year. He filed his lawsuit in August.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
