New York, May 26, 2004
New York Daily News

Skyline Credit Line cabbies Jasbir Singh (l.) and Devindeer Singh were among those protesting rules on turbans & beards.

Sikh drivers for a Long Island City limousine company almost came to blows with management yesterday over demands that they trim their beards and wear specific colored turbans.

A heated argument over a dress code nearly erupted into a street brawl outside Skyline Credit Line Inc. offices., as drivers and managers had to be restrained after some Sikh drivers felt insulted because the new regulations conflicted with their religious beliefs.

But company heads had rescinded the demand Monday afternoon, after some had complained, with a broadcast over car radios that drivers could disregard the directives. But not all drivers heard the broadcast, and yesterday they held a protest that almost turned ugly.

"They always ask, 'Why you always come over here without rolling your beard?'" said Devindeer Singh, 50, a five-year driver for the cooperative company who yesterday wore a sky-blue turban to work. "Why are they discriminating like this?"

The May 20 memo had ordered drivers to wear only blue, white or black turbans. Drivers were instructed to trim or roll their beards so that their ties would be visible.

The memo also informed Skyline's platinum drivers - who chauffeur VIPs - to be clean-shaven and to wear no headdress of any kind.

Carl Ginsberg, president of Skyline, said the memo was prompted by customers who felt uncomfortable riding with turban-wearing drivers because some associated them with terrorists. The company acted to make its image more appealing to customers, he said.

"There were some women that were afraid to get into the cars when they saw these guys," Ginsberg said.

Ginsberg showed drivers a printout of Monday's radio log where drivers were told to ignore the objectionable dress policy.

"I agree. If it is a religious thing, we are not going to cut you," Ginsberg said yesterday.

Harjeet Walia, a 16-year driver, said city limo companies each year attempt to make Sikh drivers change their dress. Despite Skyline's change of policy, drivers said they wanted an apology in writing and a promise that the company will no longer challenge their religious beliefs.

"This time, the guys were pretty offended by the way they put it down. It's clear discrimination," said Walia, who yesterday wore a red turban to work.

Amardeep Singh, legal director for the Sikh Coalition, said his group will investigate the matter to see whether any action could be taken against Skyline.

"This is another instance and continuing pattern of Sikh employees being pushed out the door," said Amardeep Singh.

Of the more than 600 drivers for Skyline, at 52-29 36th St., 200 are Sikhs, drivers said.