The National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs (COLPA), applauded the issuance by the United States Civil Service Commission of new regulations, requiring Federal agencies to reasonably accommodate the religious needs of Sabbath observing employees and applicants. Many Sabbath observers have in the past been denied employment by Federal agencies which refused to make even minimal and inconsequential adjustments in uniform work schedules to accommodate them, COLPA stated. Such adjustments have been required in private employment since 1967 under the Guidelines issued by the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). The present action by the Civil Service Commission which went into effect Monday, is the culmination of an intensive two-year effort by COLPA, which was successful in obtaining promulgation of the EEOC Guidelines. Julius Berman, president of COLPA, applauded the action of the Civil Service Commission. “The new regulations,” he said, “eliminate the paradox of American citizens being afforded greater protection in employment in the private sector than in employment by his own government. We are hopeful that with this artificial barrier removed, Sabbath observers will be able to more fully participate in the economic life of the country and together with all Americans contribute to its continued growth.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
