Parcel Express is a business that delivers packages overnight and operates several hubs for aircraft within the United States. Carl Finch, a devout member of the JAWS religion, was hired seven weeks ago to work as a mechanic at the Parcel Express hub in Michigan. The mechanics who work for Parcel Express are represented by the Teamsters Union. For the purpose of this question, assume that the JAWS religion is legally recognized. Since Carl lacks seniority he was assigned to the night shift, which required him to work on Friday nights. Carl's religion prohibits him from working from dusk on Friday until dusk on Saturday, but he did not mention this during his interview. After Carl was absent on two consecutive Fridays, his manager issued him a written warning. Carl explained that because he was a member of JAWS, Parcel Express was required to let him off work on Fridays. Parcel Express looked into finding a replacement in order to accommodate Carl, but previous experience showed that using temporary employees as mechanics resulted in additional expenses, increased mistakes and lower efficiency. The manager informed Carl that he must work on Friday nights. Carl was terminated after missing work on three additional Friday evenings.

Carl sued Parcel Express, claiming religious discrimination. Parcel Express defended claiming that Carl was fired for excessive absenteeism and not for religious discrimination.