Dell welcomes back Muslim workers

All friends now...

Dell Computer has reached agreement with 31 workers at its Nashville factory who left the firm after a disagreement over evening prayers.

The group of workers, mostly from Somalia, left the firm after disagreements about sunset prayers. Muslims are required to pray five times a day. Timing of prayer can be flexible, except for sunset prayers which must be heard within half an hour of sunset. The workers were employed through employment agency Spherion.

Dell blamed events on a misunderstanding and said some managers would receive further training on existing guidelines.

The Nashville Metro Human Relations Commission, which supported the workers, welcomed the understanding. It said some workers had already returned to work and other workers will get letters telling them the glad tidings soon.

Kevin Jones, executive director at the Metro Human Relations Commission, said: "Internationally, Dell is well regarded in the Muslim community and is demonstrating its commitment to accommodating prayer in the workplace."®

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