Three former ballpark ushers for the Washington Nationals have filed a federal lawsuit against the team, alleging religious discrimination against 7th Day Adventists.
The three men, all of whom are former federal workers, said the team recently changed its work policies and schedules for ushers, in the process precluding employees from taking days off to honor their Sabbath, which occurs from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.
The suit cites specific impact against 7th Day Adventists. It also references the team's shift to increased home games on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons, and the increasing load of concert events at the ballpark, including Paul McCartney's concert last year.
During the 2013 season, the men named in the lawsuit were permitted to avoid working games on Friday nights or Saturdays during daylight. "At the end of the season, though, the Nats decided to fire them because their religion required accommodation," the lawsuit alleges.
The three men, all of whom are D.C.-area residents, said their employment was terminated because they insisted on taking off Sabbath days. The suit claims, "All three (men) performed their jobs well, and regularly received praise from their supervisors...."
The attorney representing the three employees told Scott MacFarlane that the men are suing for back pay and damages.
The suit was filed in federal court in D.C.
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A Washington Nationals spokesperson said the team generally does not comment on active litigation matters.
