A company in New York has lost a lawsuit filed by 10 employees who claimed they were forced to take part in cultish religious practices at work.
As a result, the United Health Programs of America and its parent company, Cost Containment Group, have been ordered to pay $5.1 million in damages.
The employees accused United Health Programs of coercing them into religious rituals and attending prayer sessions or seminars as part of a program called the "Onionhead."
The company was reportedly affiliated with the nonprofit Harnessing Happiness Foundation, which was started by Denali Jordan, the aunt of United Health CEO Robert Hodes, according to New York Daily News.
The workers said they were required to wear Onionhead pins and discuss their personal problems during the sessions, and were also ordered to say "I love you" to their managers and co-workers, as well as thank God for their jobs.
United Health employees also said they had to make donations from their pay to Harnessing Happiness Foundation.
Francine Pennisi, one of the 10 employees who filed the suit, claims she was let go in 2010 because she did not want to join in with the spiritual practices.
Faith Pabon also claims to have been fired following a weekend retreat with the company during which she said Jordan yelled at some employees who had been drinking wine and smoking in the break times.
The jury determined that United Health violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The law prohibits employers from forcing religious practices on their workers.
