Discussions about Prayer Rooms in the Workplace

Denmark has long been known for its strict immigration policy. But things are changing. The debate in the country at the moment is how far should Denmark go to integrate the so-called 'new Danes'. Marc-Christoph Wagner reports

Danish president Rasmussen at a meeting with the newly founded Danish organisation 'Democratic Muslims' (photo: dpa)
How far should immigrants be expected to compromise their traditions to fit into Danish society? Denmark is in the middle of a painful identity debate

​​The question of whether Muslim prayer rooms should be provided in the workplace has added weight to Denmark's integration debate. The country's Minister of Employment has said in no uncertain terms that it is unthinkable to provide prayer rooms. But Denmark's labour union is calling for the government to keep its nose out of the debate.

There's a calm summery atmosphere at this outlet of the supermarket chain 'Netto'. Saron, a Palestinian, sits at the checkout. Behind her, a young Turk is stacking tinned tomatoes onto a shelf.

Employing people of foreign origin

Netto is the biggest discount supermarket chain in Denmark. It's got a reputation for its innovative employee policy. As a result of the low unemployment levels in Denmark, the demand for employees is high. That means businesses must come up with strategies to recruit new staff, says Thomas Thorsoe, personnel officer for Netto.

A lot of effort is being put into employing people of foreign origin. Still, head scarves and prayer rooms are out of the question in the workplace, says Thorsoe.

"Individual religions don't play any role for us in the workplace," says Thorsoe. "At work, we are all equals. If we were to introduce prayer rooms, we would also have to introduce special conditions for a portion of the employees, such as additional breaks. If you come to Denmark, integrating into the society is one of the requirements. But on the other hand, we Danes must also broaden our horizons, the recent uproar over cartoons printed in a Danish newspaper, which were insulting to Muslims, has shown us that."

In the Odense University in southern Denmark, there's a different attitude. A prayer room was recently opened on the campus for students and staff. It's an area which is open for people of all religions.
The same rules for everyone

The government and others who oppose such prayer rooms argue that this initiative will put a further barrier between integrating the 'new Danes' into society. But university director, Jens Oddershede, doesn't agree.

"There are the same rules for everyone, they're together in lessons, and they spend their free time together," he says. "If someone takes a quick prayer break, it has no effect on integration."

And the situation at the University in southern Denmark is by no means an exception in the country. Copenhagen airport recently introduced a prayer room for its employees and passengers.

Change is inevitable

Across Europe there is a growing awareness that things cannot stay as they are. Even Thomas Thorsoe admits that his firm must slowly accept the new direction.

"In our British outlets, employees are allowed to wear headscarves, as there are many customers who wear them," says the Netto personnel manager. "Given the demographic trends emerging here, it won't be long till we also have to introduce the same business philosophy here."

Thorsoe says that now, Netto must face the reality that within the next ten years, most of the company's employees will be foreigners. That will mean further changes to the company's staff policies.

Marc-Christoph Wagner

© DEUTSCHE WELLE 2006

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