Workers fired in break dispute

GREELEY, Colo. - A union representing Muslim workers at a JBS Swift & Co. meatpacking plant plans to file grievances over the firing of more than 100 workers in a dispute over religious accommodations, a spokesman said.

At issue is a request by Muslim workers to take lunch breaks at sunset to end their fast during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. As many as 300 workers walked out of JBS Swift & Co. last Friday before their shifts ended, and the union had been in talks with the company.

Many of the workers were suspended. A Swift spokeswoman said Wednesday the workers were told they would be fired if they didn't report to work when recalled. She didn't specify how many workers were fired.

A union spokesman said 130 to 150 workers were fired.