Toronto: A so-called “clean-shave” policy for workers at shelters and congregate settings in Toronto has been modified after some Sikh security guards reportedly lost their jobs for refusing to shave their beards.
An official with the World Sikh Organization (WSO) of Canada confirmed the change in policy. It comes after approximately 100 Sikh security guards employed by third parties were either terminated, transferred, or had shifts cancelled due to non-compliance with a city policy that required some employees to be clean shaven in order to be properly fitted for N95 respiratory masks.
“We received a call from Mayor Tory and he confirmed that the security guards could return to their jobs and the City would work with the security contractors to make it possible. He also confirmed the N95 would only be required where there is an outbreak,” Balpreet Singh, WSO’s spokesperson and legal counsel, said.
Balpreet Singh, of the World Sikh Organization of Canada, earlier urged the City of Toronto to reinstate bearded security guards who were removed from their job due to a "clean-shave" masking policy.
