In a press release, the City of Toronto formally apologised to the World Sikh Organisation (WSO) for “any delay” in reinstating Sikh security guards let go over a clean shave policy which was imposed by the city contractors that forced several to lose their jobs.
The City of Toronto is directing its contractors to reinstate any security guards who lost their jobs because they were required to shave their beards in order to wear N95 masks at work.
The city said it will immediately allow for “under-mask beard covers” as a form of religious accommodation for guards at city sites that require N95 respirators, the city said in a news release. The method involves a tight-fitting covering worn over the beard, as well as the chin and cheeks, tied in a knot at the top of the head. An N95 mask is then worn over that covering.
“The technique, also known as the Singh Thattha Method, is used by many Sikh people in the medical community and has been found to be highly effective in respirator fit testing,” the city said. The city also added that the guards “should be appropriately compensated for any financial impact.” “The city will not accept any contractors failing to accommodate religious freedoms,” the release said.
“As part of its investigation, the city will be looking at its legal options, up to and including terminating the contracts of any contractors found to be in violation of city policy or human rights legislation,” the City of Toronto had said in a press release.
Security guards are required to wear N95 masks when they are working at city homeless shelters fighting COVID-19 outbreaks, according to a public health requirement. The city said it had contracts with many large security guard organisations and employees who have facial hair for religious reasons can be accommodated in other city settings, including shelters that are not in outbreak.
