Ramadan lasts for a lunar month and it begins when the new moon is sited; as a result the start and finish times of Ramadan change from year to year. In 2024, it is expected that Ramadan will begin on the evening of the 10th March and last for 30 days. During this time many Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during hours of daylight, instead eating before dawn (suhoor) and at sunset (iftar). This means that they will not be able to consume food or water for around 16–17 hours a day. For those who have to work during Ramadan, the physical effects of fasting can be challenging.
The morning meal will be before dawn, around 3am, and people won’t break their fast until about 9pm. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called iftar.
Muslims may take leave on Eid day and for the last 10 days of Ramadan, which are considered a holy time.
However, Morson’s Operations Manager (Projects); Chris Humphreys has launched an awareness campaign to ensure that all workers, regardless of their faith, are aware of the significance of Ramadan and its observance to foster understanding, empathy, and a respectful working environment and allowing nourishment during non-fasting hours in the railway environment.
Under the leadership of Chris Humphreys, Morson called on Muslim workers working in the railway industry for a meeting at Lillie Bridge Depot before Ramadan (month of fasting), encouraging open and inclusive communication among team members. Create a safe space where Muslim workers discuss their needs and concerns during Ramadan. This has helped foster a supportive environment and allow team leaders (PWTs), to provide appropriate support.
It doesn’t end there, Morson implemented flexible shift options accommodating workers working day shifts to move to night shifts which allows for adjustments to their working shifts. This helps to ensure that workers have enough time for rest, prayer, and breaking their fast at sunset.
Chris Humphreys, in addition, fasted during Ramadan, not only for health benefits, but to show support for Muslim colleagues, community cohesion initiative, and solidarity for everyone fasting in the month of Ramadan. His support is invaluable and I am truly honoured to have him joining us in this initiative.
The end of Ramadan is marked by celebration (Eid), which is also confirmed by the sighting of the moon but it is often difficult to pinpoint exactly which day to take off to celebrate. Mr Humphreys has shown a greater degree of flexibility allowing Muslims to take a day off to celebrate and allow workers to be open about their religious observance, tackling the barriers to work and creating inclusive workplaces, giving more people the power to learn, contribute and progress for a more prosperous society.
In the same extent. Morson understand that fasting may cause fatigue, reduce concentration levels, dehydration, and reduced energy levels, especially towards the end of the day. Morson informed all PWT’s and workers to be mindful of these symptoms and offer support to workers who may be experiencing them and ensure that safety measures are strongly enforced and remind workers to be cautious and maintain heightened awareness of their surroundings.
In addition, Mr Humphreys recognised that fasting may affect a workers energy levels and productivity. He was in support of adjusting workloads or assigning tasks that require less physical exertion during fasting hours to support well-being of workers and advised workers to contact him should they encounter any problems.
Thank you for being cultural sensitive 👍
Mr Darboe, PWT of Morson TDU gang.