Non-Muslim workers complained they had to do additional work when Muslims went to pray, which devout followers do five times a day.
Aziz Dhies, a local nurse who represented Somali workers in negotiations with Swift, said he believed workers of all creeds should share in the breaks.
He added that Muslims had no choice in the matter. "This is not something we're making up ourselves," Dhies said. "This is something written in [holy] books that we have to do."
In its statement, Swift officials said the company was "grateful to employ a multicultural workforce and works closely with all employees and their union representation to accommodate religious practices in a reasonable, safe and fair manner to all involved."
Union officials argue that the contract allows for the extra break time.
"Many companies pay time and a half for working Christian holidays," Gonzales said.
"It's a different time now, and we should respect different people's values."
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nicholas.riccardi@ latimes.com
