Hertz fires 25 Muslim drivers in break dispute

Hertz is firing 25 Muslim drivers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport who have refused to agree to clock out for daily breaks during which they normally pray.

The workers drive the company's rental cars to and from the airport for cleaning and refueling. They are among 34 Hertz employees suspended Sept. 30 for failing to clock out before breaks.

The Seattle Times reports that Hertz says nine of the 34 signed the agreement and have returned to their jobs.

Hertz spokesman Rich Broome says the company made it clear the workers needed to agree to the clock-out conditions by the end of the day Thursday if they wanted to be reinstated. The newspaper says termination letters have been sent to the 25.

The company has said some workers were taking longer than the 10 minutes allowed.

Observant Muslims pray five times a day.
 

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