NEW YORK — Orthodox Jewish teachers in New York City have lost a grievance challenging a decision by the New York City Department of Education denying a religious observance day to prepare for Passover, the New York Post reported Saturday.

About 20 teachers filed the grievance after the department required them to use personal or vacation time to take the day off to prepare for the holiday.

Moshe Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers, criticized the decision, saying it breaks with a practice dating back to a 1999 arbitration ruling that had allowed such requests. The United Federation of Teachers will decide whether to seek arbitration.