Should this driver have been sacked?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....pulls-pray-aisle.html

As the passenger said he could have been a suicide bomber, praying before he blew the bus up.

[Goodsoulette]

No, not sacked lol I think the warning is sufficient, Plenty of shifts available, Im sure something suitable could be worked out for his religious needs. Plenty of bus drivers make buses late for lots of personal reasons, no different just a bit more open and bizarre.

[ll_billym]

Yeah, sack him.

[craft1948]

Well as he wasn't a bomber I trust he was just given a warning.......would you rather pay him dole money?

[sp1814]

Written warning would suffice, NOT a verbal warning. Most companies have a three stage disciplinary process - verbal warning, then written before the final chop.

[Booldawg]

Reg Varney woudlve gone out on strike over that...

[sp1814]

EKnewsDS

What???

You means this happens all the time? And only now someone's noticed?

Seriously?

I would've thought the first time it happened, it would've made the papers.

Well done on waiting for a white driver though. Better still - make sure it's a fella too. So many women driving buses dangerously now. It's a fact that women spend all their time thinking about puppies, babies and George Clooney which affects their driving ability.

...probably.

[Seadragon]

I think the driver's taking the p!ss. He shouldn't have taken the bus out if he knew that it was likely the route time would coincide with his prayer time. I'm surprised no-one leapt on him while he was praying as he could have been a suicide bomber praying? A harsh verbal and written warning should be given, followed by the sack if he does it again. 5 mins hold-up is just excessive.

[123everton]

The idea that he may have been a bomber is a bit nonsencical, such people are only displaying their crass ignorance and insecurities, I'd be embarrassed to have my name associated with such views with regard to this incident.
The driver did the wrong thing, there may be mitigating circumstances (like traffic) that prevented from praying at the terminus, you have to bear in mind that he can drive for five and a half hours without a break he may well have been running very late on a five hour first part, hence...
I feel management and staff would view this event with some humour and sensitivity and then move on.

[kev1]

If an employer knows that a persons religion means he has to pray five times a day they should think twice before giving him the job in the first place

[Answerprancer]

Here's a simpler answer - don't read the daily mail.

[chas2008]

probably setting himself up for the sack then sue for compensation on racial grounds...loads of dosh!!

[jake-the-peg]

He does not have to pray 5 times a day at that exact moment to fulfill his religious obligations.

You think Cairo traffic stops while everybody gets out of their cars and points towards Mecca?

Islam provides for people to postpone their prayers if necessary

London Transport issued a reminder to all their staff that this is not acceptable and a warning to him would suffice (written or verbal depending on the circumstances )

[kev1]

"If neccessary" Jake? can you explain what does that mean exactly, and if they do not have to pray at certain times of day then why didn't he wait till he got home?

[dothawkes31]

could it be that he had just run over a cat and he was praying to his god for forgivness?

[anotheoldgit]

123everton

/// The idea that he may have been a bomber is a bit nonsencical, such people are only displaying their crass ignorance and insecurities,///

Oh! you think that do you, how would you know otherwise? I think it is you that is being nonsensical (correct spelling).

I suppose if you saw a large package or bag lying around, you would just ignore it would you?

Are we not on the second from the top security alert, and are we not told to be vigilant at all times?

[Seadragon]

Exactly Oldgit, I agree with you totally. If I was on that bus I would have assumed he was a bomber - ignorance? maybe, but then the majority of Muslims do not suddenly pull improvised mats out and start praying in public. Insecure? Never - a word that doesn't apply to me.

Actually if I was on that bus I would have called the Police suspecting an imminent terrorist attack.