RWDSU Calls For Recognition of Muslim Holidays in NYC Schools (8/12/09)

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, the first labor union to negotiate the recognition of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr into a collective bargaining contract in the United States, has come out in support of a New York City Council resolution which would add two Muslim holy days to the schools' holiday calendar.

Council resolution 1281, approved by a vote of 50-0 on June 30, calls for the closure of New York City schools during the Muslim holidays of Eid Ul-Adha and Eid Ul-Fitr, also known as the Eids.

According to RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, recognizing the holidays shows an important respect for the growing diversity of the city's population.
 
"Muslims make up between 10 and 12 percent of the student body, and they deserve the respect afforded to students of other religions. These students need the opportunity to celebrate their holiest days without interfering with their studies," Appelbaum said.
 
"Just as important is the lesson that it teaches to students throughout New York City schools: Respecting diversity is a crucial part of modern life, both at home and on the global stage. Recognizing these holidays accurately reflects the makeup of the city and the students in its schools."

There are over 600,000 Muslims living in New York City, making it one of the fastest growing Muslim communities in the country.
 
The RWDSU has a long history of fighting for the civil rights of its members, a tradition that continued in 2008 when Tyson poultry processing workers in Shelbyville, Tennessee, represented by the union, signed a contract that made Eid al-Fitr a paid holiday.

Appelbaum also serves as the president of the Jewish Labor Committee.