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Career Clinic: Observing the Sabbath at deal time

I leave early on Fridays to observe the Sabbath. Can my employer force me to stay late and work on Saturday to close out a deal?

Career Clinic: Observing the Sabbath at deal time
Photo: iStockPhoto

My boss wants me to stay late on Friday and work on Saturday to help the team close out a deal. But I am Jewish and leave the office before sunset on Fridays to observe the Sabbath. Can I refuse?

The legal principles governing this question are termed "indirect discrimination".

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