The city of Toronto has formally apologized to a prominent Sikh organization for “any delay” in re-establishing Sikh security guards who let go of a beardless policy that forced several to choose between their jobs and a key principle of their faith.
As of Tuesday, the city will immediately allow “beard covers under a mask” as a form of religious accommodation for guards at city sites that require N95 respirators, the city said in a press release Tuesday.
The apology to the World Sikh Organization (WSO) comes after a complaint the group filed last month, saying more than 100 Sikh security guards had to wear N95 masks sealed directly to the face, a rule that does not would allow her traditional facial hair. .
The new method involves a tight cover worn over the beard, as well as the chin and cheeks, tied with a knot at the top of the head. An N95 mask is then worn over this cover.
“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 very effective in respirator adjustment tests,” the city said.
The move comes after the city asked its contractors to “immediately” reinstate Sikh security personnel to let the rule pass. The city adds that the guards “should be adequately compensated for any financial impact.”
“The city will not accept any contractor who does not comply with religious freedoms,” the statement said.
The WSO said Tuesday it had heard from the city that the affected guards would be compensated for lost work hours and would return to their posts.
“I am glad that the city has finally come up with a solution that works for these Sikh security guards,” Balpreet Singh, the organization’s legal adviser, said in an interview.
“But … I’m a little disappointed that it took so long.”
Toronto Mayor John Tory said he “firmly believes” that no one should be discriminated against because of their religious beliefs.
“I have asked city staff to work with all contractors involved to resolve this issue immediately and to be absolutely clear that we respect people’s human rights, including freedom of religion,” he said in a written statement.
“I fully hope that city staff will continue to investigate this complaint and make the necessary changes, including legal action, to ensure that Sikh residents and people of all religions are fully respected.”