According to the group, they had to lay off more than 40 employees.
Employees of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) have filed a federal class action complaint against the firm, claiming that their terminations violated their rights under Title VII on the basis of their religious beliefs in opposition to the mandatory use of the COVID-19 vaccination.
A news statement states that former employees have been sent “right to sue” letters following an inquiry by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to the press announcement, BCBST fired 41 employees in October and November 2021 because the corporation required vaccination against COVID-19 for 900 positions dealing directly with customers. A representative for the organisation claims that many of the 900 employees were full-time telecommuters who had been working from home during the pandemic.
Just weeks before a Tennessee law was passed prohibiting BCBST from enforcing the rule, it is alleged that BCBST fired 19 workers in October and another 22 workers in November. It has been reported that many people sought religious exemptions and reasonable adjustments such as the option of working from home (which was already in place and would continue throughout the year) or regular testing.
Allegedly, BCBST responded to those who requested a religious exemption by giving them 30 days to acquire the vaccine, find a new employment, or be sacked.
They were allegedly humiliated and emotionally distressed before being fired without recompense for their time spent on the job.
It’s been emotionally and monetarily taxing. Anne F., one of the 41 plaintiffs, said, “I loved my position, planned on retiring from BCBST, and to be discriminated against, my exemption request not accepted, and fired for this has been devastating.”
“To be cast aside and treated as less than was, simply put, a slap in the face,” said Kerrie I, another worker from the group.
There was a delay in receiving a response from BCBST.
