Document: 432 U.S. 63 97 S.Ct. 2264 53 L.Ed.2d 113 TRANS WORLD AIRLINES, INC., Petitioner,v.Larry G. HARDISON et al. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE WORKERS, AFL-CIO, al., Petitioners, v. Larry Nos. 75-1126, 75-1385. Argued March 30, 1977. Decided June 16, Syllabus Respondent Hardison (hereafter respondent) was employed by Trans World Airlines (TWA), petitioner in No. a department that operated 24 hours day throughout the year connection with an airplane maintenance and overhaul base. subject to seniority system collective-bargaining agreement between TWA International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (union), 75-1385, whereby most senior employees have first choice for job shift assignments as they become available, junior are required work when enough at particular time or fill TWA's needs cannot be found. Because respondent's religious beliefs prohibit him from working on Saturdays, attempts were made accommodate him, these temporarily successful mainly because his he had sufficient regularly observe Saturday Sabbath. But sought, transferred to, another where asked Saturdays low seniority, problems began arise. agreed permit union seek change assignments, but not willing violate system, respondent insufficient bid having off. After rejected proposal only four days week ground this would impair critical functions airline operations, no accommodation could reached, discharged refusing Saturdays. Then, invoked administrative remedy provided Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964, brought action injunctive relief against union, claiming discharge constituted discrimination violation § 703(a)(1) Act, which makes it unlawful employment practice employer discriminate employee basis religion. He also certain other charges union. His claim based 1967 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines effect requiring employer, short "undue hardship," make "reasonable accommodations" its employees, similar language 1972 amendments VII. The District Court ruled favor both holding union's duty did require ignore satisfied obligation. Appeals affirmed judgment reversed TWA, under EEOC guidelines. court took view three reasonable alternatives, any one obligation without undue hardship: (1) Within framework permitted four-day week, utilizing supervisor worker elsewhere, even though caused shop suffer; (2) filled available personnel, involved premium overtime pay; (3) arranged "swap" either Sabbath days, breach system. Held: efforts needs, VII, each Appeals' suggested alternatives been hardship within meaning statute construed Pp. 76-85. (a) itself represented significant secular, all employees. 77-78. (b) faulted failed out swap respondent. Both system; unwilling entertain variance over objections respondent; unilaterally breached agreement. An agreed-upon is give way observances, anomalous conclude Congress meant must deny preferences some well deprive them their contractual rights, order prefer others. does go far. 79-81. (c) Under 703(h) absent discriminatory purpose, operation if effect. 81-82. (d) To bear more than de minimis cost off hardship, for, like abandonment additional costs such incurred want involve unequal treatment Absent clear statutory legislative history contrary, statute, paramount concern eliminate employment, enable others 84-85. 527 F.2d 33, reversed. George E. Feldmiller, Kansas City, Mo., Airlines, Inc. Mozart Ratner, Washington, D. C., petitioners Ass'n etc., William H. Pickett, respondents. Nathan Lewin, Nat. Jewish Com'n Law Public Affairs, amicus curiae, special leave Court. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion 1 Section 78 Stat. 255, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-2(a)(1), prospective her At events here, guideline (EEOC), 29 CFR 1605.1(b) (1968), required, now does, 2000e(j) (1970 ed., Supp. V), issue case extent employer's whose 2 * We summarize briefly facts found 375 F.Supp. 877 (WD Mo.1974). 3 Petitioner (TWA) operates large base Mo. On 5, 1967, hired clerk Stores Department City essential role operation, operate per day, 365 year, whenever employee's filled, shifted department, cover job, areas may suffer. 4 Hardison, base, contained agreement1 maintains (IAM).2 implemented steward through bidding available. unable find people needs. 5 In spring 1968 study religion known Worldwide Church God. One tenets refraining performing sunset Friday until Saturday. proscribes specified holidays. 6 When informed Everett Kussman, manager Department, conviction regarding observance Sabbath, Kussman should off; holidays possible traditional asked; try compatible beliefs. problem solved 11 p. m.-7 a. m. shift. Working 7 soon reappeared received transfer Building 1, employed, 2, two buildings entirely separate lists; while regularly, second bottom list. 8 fellow went vacation. provisions set contract,3 9 A company. Hardison's weekends person perform it. position empty impaired supply functions, operations; area simply undermanned operation; employ someone assigned pay wages. 10 refused report twilight proved unavailing since scheduled still past sundown Fridays. hearing, grounds insubordination during designated United States IAM, 2000e-2(a)(1). charged discriminated failing represent adequately dispute depriving right exercise rested employers "to accommodations employees" 1605.1 adopted V). 12 bench trial, defendants. Turning although applicable unions, belief appeared claim.4 As outset contention constitute unconstitutional establishment however, obligation, further worked 13 Eighth Circuit TWA. 33 (1975). It Court's constitutional ruling, held accommodate. appear attacked directly ruling substantive merits. 14 petitions certiorari IAM contended adequate steps taken observances construe create contrary First Amendment Constitution. improperly ignored findings fact. 15 granted certiorari. 429 958, 381, 50 325 (1976). we agree conduct VII,5 need reach questions presented. II 16 committed provides: 17 "(a) shall 18 "(1) fail refuse hire individual, otherwise individual respect compensation, terms, conditions, privileges individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin." 19 emphasis eliminating employment; similarly situated treated differently solely differ origin.6 This true regardless whether directed majorities minorities. McDonald Santa Fe Trail Transportation Co., 427 273, 280, 96 2574, 2578, 49 493 See Griggs Duke Power 401 424, 431, 91 849, 853, 28 158 (1971). 20 prohibition raised question impermissible who reasons normal work-week. 1966 dealing declared . can serious inconvenience business." (1967). 21 amended (1968). suggest what sort "reasonable" becomes "undue."7 22 remained unsettled Court, Dewey Reynolds Metals 402 689, 2186, 267 (1971), equally divided Sixth Circuit's decision 324 (1970). Sundays there manner allocated Sunday neither purpose nor effect; consistent guidelines, giving opportunity secure replacement work.8 23 part resolve legislation" issues Dewey, 118 Cong.Rec. 706 (1972) (remarks Sen. Randolph), included following definition VII: "The term 'religion' includes aspects practice, belief, unless demonstrates reasonably 701(j), 25 intent accommodations, practices provides guidance determining degree employer. brief 701(j) likewise little assistance regard.9 proponent measure, Senator Jennings Randolph, expressed general desire assure freedom workers guaranteed law," 705 attempt define precise circumstances accommodation" requirement applied.10 26 brief, incurring clear, has never spelled With mind, turn consideration met III 27 relevant occurred.11 view, hardship. First, place elsewhere. That suffer amount Appeals. Second according Appeals, bounds contract company personnel competent do said least 200. deemed Third, "swap days." response assertion contract, noted settled courts stopped transgressing rules, unnecessary decide because, saw record, therefore declined entertain, left entire matter "likewise nothing." disagree respects. our A. might inferred negligible. supported contrary. summarizing detailed findings, observed: 30 "TWA established fact take appropriate several meetings plaintiff attempted solution plaintiff's problems. authorized search shifts, apparently procedure." F.Supp., 890-891. 31 success job. done expected 32 observed, possibility really posed record. learned April 1968, shifts "the reported scheduling changes understood plaintiff". Id., 888. Later, 1969, meeting just before shift, again "offered agreeing trade sections Any impossible change." 889. record shows, himself testified willing, not, employee. App. 76-77. say about juncture appears us will apparent, represents neutral minimizing number occasions Additionally, recognizing weekend schedules popular, reducing force bare minimum those days. B 34 convinced, Hardison. men Hardison; amounted 35 36 insist takes precedence rights statute,12 believe requires inconsistent valid Collective bargaining, aimed effecting workable enforceable agreements management labor, lies core labor policy, universally contracts. Without express indication Congress, necessary observances. important warrants discussion. 37 who, conducts around-the-clock presented allocating accordance involuntary assignment. Insofar varying complement other, meet manpower voluntary scheduling. present case, example, foresaw difficulty fell preferred work, 38 Whenever choose choice. Such evidently regard work; cut back skeleton crew, chose staff circumstances, preference longest. 39 Had nevertheless circumvented relieving ordering replace denied latter so given his. deprived 40 business few Allocating burdens collective bargaining. considering criteria govern allocation, alternatives: adopt lottery, rotating shifts; allocate getting strict expense strong, perhaps nonreligious, weekends. There volunteers relieve off, adhere observed 41 contemplate treatment. repeated, unequivocal proscribed supra, 71-72. Indeed, foundation engaged arrange others, 43 Our conclusion systems afforded itself. pertinent part: 44 "Notwithstanding provision subchapter, apply different standards pursuant bona fide merit differences result intention origin .." 2000e-2(h). 45 "(T)he unmistakable routine application VII." Brotherhood Teamsters States, 431 324, 352, 1843, 1863, 52 396 (1977). Air Lines, Evans, 553, 1885, 571 "a definitional provision; 703, subsection (h) delineates illegal thereby prohibited not." Franks Bowman 424 747, 758, 1251, 1261, 47 444 Thus, consequences. 46 suggestion case. designed act lock members into pattern wherein limited. coincidental acted compound exercising religion." 883. limited terms substance nothing shown. plainly dictates 703(h), face interpreted recent decisions Court.13 said, carve exception help obligations.14 C 48 avoid Recognizing short-handed concluded supervisory qualified departments. Alternatively, replaced payment form lost efficiency jobs higher hardship.15 Like By suggesting incur finance then enjoy While extra remove necessity compelling involuntarilys place, privilege seen, enacting elimination employment. absence readily 51 Reversed. MARSHALL, whom BRENNAN joins, dissenting. intractable arising 2000e seq., guilty discharges (or refuses applicant) practices. Particularly troublesome plight adherents minority faiths holy businesses closed Sundays, Christmas, Easter own observance. grappled sets regulations, long line decisions. Initially "free establish workweek generally employees," "demand alteration (his schedule) needs." §§ 1605.1(a)(3), (b)(3) Eventually, changed decided requested schedule except hardship" "where needed performed substantially qualifications period absence." (1976).1 amending confronted same EEOC. Pub. L. 92-261, 2(7), 86 103, codified after amendment lower considered length reaching correctly describes conflicting results, ante, 75 n. 10. And provide courts, ourselves evenly divided. Parker Seal Co. Cummins, 65, 342, 223 (1976); 54 Today's deals fatal blow requirements holds, essence, regulations state adjustments demands account regulation mean say. concludes, grant minor observers follow faith. social deeply troubling, society truly values pluralism compel religions cruel surrendering law today's intolerable, adopts very expressly 1972, free disregard congressional choices majority thinks unwise. I dissent. 55 proposed discusses, ultimately notes "unequal treatment," 81, 84-85, observer. quite true. involves preferential treatment, brimming "sound fury," "signif(y) 56 arises rule applicability conflicts cases, governed attire; cases attendance function; instances, compelled membership union; largest class concerned schedules.2 What common comply violating views commandment. instance, exempt rule's demands. always being "allocated beliefs," 85, gratuitously decides repeal toto. says, plain words, allocations result. 57 point best altogether hypothetical example. CCH Decisions (1973) P 6180. Assume wear type hat identifiable customers. obviously face, altered uniform taste discharged. reasons, insisted wearing hair tightly fitted scarf visible hat. all. Yet understand analysis response, 83 nn. 15, afford scarfs select thus up This, submit, mockery statute. 58 result, seems almost oblivious recounted opinion, 73-75. far instructive allows. promulgated issued questioning, (CA6 1970), aff'd (1971); Riley Bendix Corp., 330 583 (MD Fla.1971), rev'd 464 1113 (CA5 1972). These reasoned, striking decision, excuse rules "discriminate employees' "constitute administration bargaining agreement." 330. They equate "religious failure accommodate." F.2d, 335. reviewing Randolph which, "clouded" discrimination. Cong. Rec. (1972). introduced amendment, tracking regulation, accommodation, primary explained, protect Sabbatarians continue rigidly abstain nature 705. unanimously approved Senate roll-call vote, id., 731, accepted Conference Committee, H.R.Rep.No. 92-899, (1972); S.Rep.No. 92-681, (1972), Houses, 7169, 7573 today, rejecting follows direct contravention intent. 59 interpretation effectively nullifying it, singular advantage making petitioners' challenge unnecessary. rationalize construction ground, "resort alternative deciding course 'fairly possible' 'fair alternative' construction." Swain Pressley, 430 372, 378, 11, 1224, 1228, 411 Moreover, interpreting employees) substantial aid observer,3 costly, constitutionality placed doubt sometimes exemption rule. repeatedly Establishment Clause exempting state-imposed duties, e. g., Wisconsin Yoder, 406 205, 234-235, 22, 92 1526, 1542-1543, Sherbert Verner, 374 398, 409, 1790, 1796, 965 (1963); Zorach Clauson, 343 306, 72 679, L.Ed. 954 (1952), Free Exercise Clause, Gillette 437, 828, 168 Welsh 398 333, 371-372, 90 1792, 1813-1814, 308 (1970) (White, J., dissenting); U.S., 422, S.Ct., 1803 (Harlan Braunfeld Brown, 366 599, 608, 81 1144, 1148, 563 (1961) (dictum); McGowan Maryland, 420, 520, 1101, 1186, 393 (Opinion Frankfurter, J.).4 If State nonreligion excusing practitioners obligations owed State, see how think beyond and, consistently Amendment, process. 60 Once determined exempted requirement, remaining case: Did prove exhausted business? pose answer "held (respondent) (and) shifts." 877, 890-891 air carriers Nation, suffered anything defies reason sense. 61 implicitly assumes means open wages substitute; less shift.5 Based assumption, seemingly finds privilege, agreement, 80-81, "more cost," 84, imposed myopic options evidence adduced trial. withstand analysis, assuming rejection discuss justifiable.6 62 begin with, support assertion, accompanying citations, "(t)here Saturdays," 81. worked, effort volunteers, 136,7 stipulated either, 158.8 sympathy personal convenience, willingly substituted regain non-Saturday preceding months9 old work. Thursday-Monday daytime own; fact, Sunday-Thursday night (the "graveyard" shift) dissatisfied hours. 70. accommodated simple necessarily rights10 imposing Of course, none arranged. burden possible. 1605.1(c) explore delegate, steward, so, burden. Nor option ignores; apparent paid passed regular pay. plan, total reflected absences. previous accumulated suggested.11 Admittedly, violated agreement; former receive pay, transferring departments once every six months. way.12 Plainly signing precludes accommodations; concede much, 79. Thus seriously argued replacement, department.13 64 tragic, needlessly livelihood conscience. tragedy impact thousands Americans forced live welfare price worshiping God.14 ultimate despite Congress' efforts, Nation's pillars strength hospitality diversity eroded. All poorer erased. 65 respectfully TWA-IAM principle Agreement reductions increases force, assignment, vacation selection, vacancies new jobs, promotions, demotions, transfers involving classifications covered Agreement. "Except hereafter paragraph, selection classification ." 214. 75-1126. Petitioners 75-1385 international, local, district levels hereinafter collectively referred Relief Committee organized deal emergency members. reveals instrumental arranging temporary members; permanent sought Committee. voiced impose " 'a priority secular' raise validity Amendment. 883 1974), quoting Edwards Kaplan, Religious Discrimination Role Arbitration 69 Mich.L.Rev. 628 prevailing party below; filed petition seeking judgment. below interests, rationale understands "necessarily explicitly Unions legally obligated waive vary beliefs, called upon so." Pet. Cert. 2. Since reverse pursue status 278-279, 2577-2578, 763, 1263, McDonnel Douglas Corp. Green, 792, 800, 93 1817, 1823, 668 (1973); 429-430, 852-853, From outset, "(t)he (Title VII) eliminate, utilization formal informal remedial procedures, 914, 88th Cong., 1st Sess., U.S.Code Admin.News 1964 pp. 2355, 2401. 110 13079-13080 (1964) Clark). waver principal goal. Congressmen differed methods questioned desirability Compare 92-238 (1971) (majority Whole House), (minority report). exist observer," single example intended exhaustive. substance, review "each equitable variety situations arise due varied American people." Ibid. purport unreasonable, "operate uniformity (all) employees." EEOC's curiae judgment, otherwise, extent. Judgment entered "entitled precedential weight," Neil Biggers, 409 188, 192, 375, 379, Other factors, well, inconclusive. alleged occurred prior promulgation retroactive Also, earlier arbitrator conclusively resolved Alexander Gardner-Denver 415 36, 94 1011, 147 (1974). Finally, excused accommodate; added floor Senate. measure consists chiefly debate Senate, pages Congressional Record consisting principally Randolph. 705-706 Record, 706-713 contains reprints 1972), synopsis provision, reference 7167 significance references unclear. unfair whatsoever accommodation; tells much satisfy opaque: formulate challenged Company, (6th Cir. Affirmed court, 689 (, 267) (1971)." Clearly, disapproved 701(j); indicate preferring future resolution 8, supra. Cases Courts enactment scope Fifth, Sixth, Tenth Circuits Williams Southern Union Gas 529 483 (CA10 1976); Reid Memphis Publishing 521 512 1975), cert. denied, 964, 394, 333 (1976), pet. rehearing pending, 75-1105; Johnson Postal Service, 497 128 1974). Fifth reached opposite facts. Draper Pipe Foundry 515 1975); Cummins 516 544 intra-Circuit explainable differing theory justify results reached. Ordinarily, entitled great weight where, varies policy change. General Electric Gilbert, 125, 140-145, 401, 410-413, "Congress kept silence overturn construction, ratified positive legislation", Red Lion Broadcasting FCC, 395 367, 381-382, 89 1794, 1802, 371 (1969) (footnote omitted), deference, warrant accepting defensible pre-1972 i. e., hardship." consider applied retroactively litigation. "This expectations modified statutes furthering strong public interest." 778, 1271. Cf. permissible award victims implement whole. dispositive here remedied. Not "make-whole" but, see, argues abrogation "once occurring effective date proved", 762, 1263; bar practice. Here remedial; unequivocally mandates showing purpose. 558-560, 1889-1890, Despite hyperbole rhetoric, dissent stops challenging fundamental proposition came reduced asserting expenditures so; advancing show costs. reject erroneous latter, Judge heard evidence. suggests finding, precluded changing shift." 884. Similarly, offers sending allowing says pursued hinted feasible circumstances. Furthermore, Buildings lists, insofar return "gave up" 104, accept early "because again." 71. 891. paying replacing (not) minimis." Post, 6. ignores, finding "(b)oth solutions created business", 891, fails likelihood many Hardison's, Sundays. statement promulgating unreasonable," 7, incomprehensible. preface later Fed.Reg. 10298 (1967), states "Commission hereby amends 1605.1, Guidelines Religion. read repealed quoted text believed, instances subsequent formulation substitute PP 6060, 6154, e.g., 6120, 6310, 6367. Many collected Annot., A.L.R. Fed. 580 For perceptive discussion Note, Accommodation Employee's Practices 1976 U.Ill.L. Forum 867. facts, Part II, infra, incurs merits assume accommodating. upheld, claimed practitioner, sensibly defined include atheists, 6316, Young Southwestern Savings Loan Assn., 509 140 persons belonging sect hold '(a) sincere meaningful occupies life possessor parallel God admittedly qualifying exemption,' 6500, Seeger, 380 163, 176, 85 850, 859, 733 (1965). exemptions wholly secular securing equal economic religions. Cf., Lemon Kurtzman, 403 602, 2105, 745 mere dangers "sponsorship, financial support, active involvement sovereign activity," aimed, Walz Tax Comm'n, 397 664, 668, 1409, 1411, 697 discussed. hardship; incumbent grave doubts factual legal considers. supports minimis. state, notes, 84 "would business," explain understanding phrase burden," believed exists slight. falls "finding" devoid documenting "efficiency loss" used already stipulations cost, staggering: $150 months, eligible department. evaluated light "likelihood Sundays," indicates conflict arisen 1945, Tr. 312-314, irrelevant, real expense. Sabbatarians, costly diminish, trades feasible. law, English usage permits especially examples substitute, 85-86, confront faced cost-free Wilbur Stone, Director Industrial Relations, Technical confirmed Kussman's testimony. 157-158. Response Plaintiff's Suggested Findings Fact, conceded "did plaintiff." 74-1424 (CA 6), 191, 3(1). relies, 78, conclusory "(a)ny framework". admitted trial effort". concerning framework" lends volunteers. 10, infra. non-Sabbath last weeks, why end time. If, likely, desired assignment anyone expectations. if, probable, substitute's spot, assumed vacant jobs. undoubtedly changes. appears, preceded "there bid". Even disrupting approve exemption. Committee's function ameliorate rigidity 130, occasion outside 144. states, 14, departmental problems." contradiction returned regained avoided 70-71. According respondent, objection prohibiting twice disadvantaged extent, offering 1975) (employer electrician unskilled position). discussed argue, consequence violative Clause. Were argument made, upholding state-created 90, complete answer, sustained inconsiderable private parties. conscientious objectors military conscription nonobjector serve instead, yet upheld Selective Draft Cases, 245 366, 389-390, 159, 165, 349 (1918). Gallagher Crown Kosher Market, 617, 627, 1122, 1127, 536 (upholding citizens engaging activities fixed distance places worship). Ironically, fiscal exceed accrue benefits prevent observing (1963).

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