Royal Mail in row over Muslims' time off

About 50 staff at the regional distribution centre in Stourton, Leeds, were told they could not take leave to mark the Eid-ul-Fitr festival last Friday for "operational reasons".

Many refused to turn up for work and are facing disciplinary hearings over "unauthorised absences". They say they are usually allowed to take the day off.

One staff member said: "In previous years shifts have been organised so there was cover for those who wanted to celebrate Eid. For some reason this year the management either forgot to do this or deliberately did not do it.

"It is the most important time of the year for many of us and it is very important we are with our families. I was not prepared to work."

Union chiefs are talking with senior managers to ensure cover will be provided in future for those who want time off to mark religious holidays.

The Communications Workers' Union (CWU) is threatening to take the company to an employment tribunal for alleged discrimination.

Andy Lee, of the local CWU branch, said: "(Royal Mail] have always tried to release as many as possible. This year they simply said 'unfortunately, we can't do it' and so they cancelled leave for all.

"They knew it was coming as it does every year and they should have planned for it. There is another Eid coming up at the end of November and we want to avoid a similar confrontation."

Employers are not obliged to give workers time off for religious holidays under British employment law but are encouraged to be "sensitive" to requests.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: "We always seek to treat every request for leave sensitively and on a case by case basis."