Very much so, I was worked out of my previous position earlier this year because of it. Fortunately found something within the same company with more tolerant co-workers, was an expensive experience though, was penalised heavily with my increase and bonus in Feb, all under the mantle of “being difficult to work with and not forming part of the greater team”, aside from the fact that I in every aspect of my work had greater success than the religious lot. Anyway… I’m happy in this position though, and the change of scenery is good for me, coaching and mentoring is easier than counselling, less kak and drama…
Yes it is rather shocking, isn’t it? And even though nobody will ever fire me for my lack of religious beliefs without subsequently hearing from the ccma, there are so many ways to make life difficult for an employee if you happen to disagree with their beliefs or lack thereof. The “you are not fitting into the team” speech is a favourite. And I am afraid the only answer to this problem is to find a more diverse team - if everybody in the office (except you) see each other at church on Sundays, it does kinda make you the outsider. Still, would much rather be the outsider when it comes to this bunch…
the power of google my friend ;D
Employment Equity Act, 1998
Chapter II Prohibition of Unfair Discrimination
6. Prohibition of unfair discrimination
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No person may unfairly discriminate, directly or indirectly, against an employee, in any employment policy or practice, on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, [b]religion[/b], HIV status, [b]conscience, belief[/b], political opinion, culture, language and birth. -
It is not unfair discrimination to-
a) take affirmative action measures consistent with the purpose of this Act; or
b) distinguish, exclude or prefer any person on the basis of an inherent requirement of a job.
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[b] Harassment of an employee is a form of unfair discrimination [/b]and is prohibited on any one, or a combination of grounds of unfair discrimination listed in subsection (1).
I guess I’m shocked because this is so far from my experience. I’ve worked at places with lots of very religious people (Stellenbosch University must have some of the most religious science departments in the world) but have never felt like I needed to keep my own views private. I think I would find it unbearable.
Sorry you guys on the front line have to deal with this. Sterkte.
Marilyn Manson’s music was cited as one of the reasons why the Columbine shooters did what they did. When subsequently asked what he would have said to them, Manson’s reply was:
“Nothing. I would have listened.”
Often the best approach?
Got this mail on Friday:
Hi
I think we should nominate a person from IT to represent us there and I would like to nominate Michael.
Any other nominations and opinions on this from IT?
Regards,
Jacques *******
Tel : (+2711) 353 ****
Value - Teamwork - Quality
----- Forwarded by Jacques ******* on 2010/10/08 01:10 PM -----
From: Kelly *******
To: HOJHB
Subject: Prayer Group
Dear All,
A few of us at Head Office have decided to start a weekly prayer group. At the first meeting we will discuss the structure of the meetings and how we feel they should be conducted in the future.
We will be meeting from 12pm next week Friday for 30 minutes at the Tavern.
Please feel free to attend, and bring your suggestions and thoughts to next week’s meeting.
We hope to see you there.
Kind regards,
Kelly *******
I nominated Riedwaan, our muslim DBA. Bwehehehe.
A prayer meeting at a Tavern… good one that! 
I nominated Riedwaan, our muslim DBA. Bwehehehe.sheer brilliance
I agree. I laughed out loud!