Refusing to work on Sabbath a human right

A meat worker sacked for refusing to work on the Sabbath has been awarded almost $30,000 compensation after successfully arguing the decision breached his human rights.

Jalesi Nakarawa complained to the Human Rights Review Tribunal that Affco New Zealand terminated his job on religious grounds.

Tribunal’s orders:

* A declaration is made that Affco committed a breach of the Human Rights Act 1993 by discriminating against Mr Nakarawa for reason of his religious beliefs;

* Damages of $12,118.00 are awarded for loss of wages;

* Damages of $15,000.00 are awarded for humiliation, loss of dignity and injury to the feelings of Mr Nakarawa;

* Affco, in conjunction with the Human Rights Commission, provides training to its management staff in relation to their and Affco’s obligations under the Human Rights Act 1993.

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News category: New Zealand, Top Story.

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