Stop persecuting workers for their religious beliefs

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It is very dark times in our nation when ­individuals are being persecuted because of their religious beliefs. We live in a period that if you go to church on Saturdays and Sundays, it is a problem to employers. Some even state that they operate a six-day a week business and it will not be beneficial for them to give a particular day for the individual to go and practise his/her faith.

This is a breach of our human rights for, according to humanrights.com, (Article 18): “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

We have several companies in Jamaica that breach that right.

As a Christian nation, part of our national pledge states: “before God and all mankind I pledge love and loyalty of my heart.”

STAND FOR YOUR FAITH

We know that individuals who work six or seven days per week are more likely to suffer from depression and overwork, which is counterproductive for business and overall welfare; while individuals who work five days per week are happy and healthy and productive.

So I call on all well-thinking Jamaicans not to bow to these slavery-like employment requirements but to stand for their faith and let their voices be heard on these matters.

Also, I called on the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to investigate the companies in breach and address the issues.

Yashar’al

A concerned citizen