Carney R. Shegerian, an employee rights attorney and founder of Shegerian & Associates, a Santa Monica-based litigation law firm representing employees, advises employees of their legal rights in the workplace against religious discrimination and time off in observance of religious holidays.

Shegerian states, “Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers are prohibited by law from discriminating against individuals on the basis of their religion in hiring, firing and during their employment. Employers are also required to provide reasonable accommodation for the religious practices of their employees.”

Shegerian states, “With many and varied holidays this month, it is important for employees to know that although there is no federal law that requires an employer to give time off on nationally recognized holidays, an employer is required to provide time off for the religious practices of employees, unless it is unduly burdensome.”

The employer is also prohibited by law to harass the employee on the basis of religion and is required by law to take steps in preventing religious harassment of employees.

Shegerian states, “We are very fortunate to live and work in a country that is so diverse ethnically and religiously. It is very important for every individual to know their rights are protected and to feel safe regardless of their religion. Although, we are becoming more and more diverse in our beliefs, the EEOC is reporting that religion based charges have increased by 50% since 1997. It is my goal to protect the rights of employees and to help prevent the rise of religious discrimination.”

An experienced trial attorney, Shegerian has tried many jury trials to verdict in both state and federal court, always representing individuals that have suffered financial or emotional losses and have been wronged by employers, including major corporations. Shegerian has built a remarkable career on helping those who have been wronged in the workplace. He remains undefeated in federal jury trials and has won 14 seven figure verdicts representing employees.