Hobbie v. Unemployment Appeals Comm’n

480 U.S. 136 (1987)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Lawton, a Florida jeweler, hired Paula Hobbie (D) in October 1981. She was employed for 2 1/2 years. In April 1984, D informed her immediate supervisor that she was to be baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church and that, for religious reasons, she would no longer be able to work on her Sabbath, from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. D's supervisor accommodated her. When the general manager learned of the accommodation, the general manager informed D that she could either work her scheduled shifts or submit her resignation to the company. When Hobbie refused to do either, Lawton discharged her. D filed a claim for unemployment compensation with the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security (P). Lawton contested the payment of benefits on the ground that D was 'disqualified for benefits' because she had been discharged for 'misconduct connected with [her] work.' D's claim for benefits was denied. D appealed that determination. The denial was affirmed. D challenged the Appeals Commission's order in the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal. The denial was affirmed. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.