Los Angeles. MTA Settle Discrimination Suit

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has settled a religious discrimination lawsuit against the Los Angeles MtA that alleged M-T-A refused to accommodate a Jewish employee's practice of observing the Shabbas.

The complaint, said the transit agency's requirement that bus drivers be available to work any weekend shift discriminated against employees who, for religious reasons, were unable to comply.

Under the settlement announced, M-T-A is making minor changes to how it hands out bus routes. If employees get a route that conflicts with their religious needs, they can take up to 30 days of unpaid leave to wait for another route to open up.