I work as a cashier part-time to help pay for college. Yesterday I was ringing up a lady who could only speak Spanish. I don't know how to speak Spanish and she kept on trying to talk to me about something. I figured it might be a question, so I said I don't speak spanish, I'll get someone else over here who can. I paged for my manager, who can speak Spanish, to come over. Meanwhile I guess the lady was upset about the delay and she began screaming at me in Spanish and throwing things. My manager came over, calmed her down and finished up her order. I asked him why she was so angry and she had told him it was because she had to wait, and she said that I should be able to speak Spanish by now! I'm in America not Mexico she should learn English instead of expecting me to learn Spanish! My manager then wrote me up for getting a customer complaint! I refused to sign it and he said if I don't sign it tommorrow, I'm fired. Is this legal?
2007-01-17 06:10:48 · 16 answers · asked by Lachelle 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If its employee policy and you were given the policy then they are within their rights to discipline you. There should be, however, some type of appeal process available to you. I am sorry you had to go through this. ARME
2007-01-17 06:25:16 · answer #1 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is it legal, Yep. Even if your state has rules on wrongful termination your store policy requires you sign a write up if there is a complaint against you. If you refuse you can be fired for cause. If your state has no rules and is a right to work state you can be fired for any reason. So either way, Yes they can fire you. Doesn't make it fair though.
If you want to keep your job I would sign. I also suggest that if this is really an issue, sign the complaint and in the mean time start looking for employment else where.
2007-01-17 07:15:39 · answer #2 · answered by Daz2020 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was being bi-lingual a requirement when you were hired? If your looking for support, then yes, your manager was wrong. Right and wrong have little bearing on what he can do though. If he fires you you may be able to collect unemployment (of which your ex-employer must pay part of--so believe me it will be on this mans record!) but if you quit your chances are not as good of getting it. If I were you I would not sign the complaint, I would go to my managers boss and from there to the labor board. I would also begin to look for more congenial employment. Good luck!
2007-01-17 06:47:10 · answer #3 · answered by Witchyluck 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is many a slip between the cup and lip. Does this fit in? But I would say that your story is your sided. The lady would not have been so perturbed unless you actually showed a couldn't care less attitude. You must have actually caused unnecessary delay or showed a lack of concern. No doubt you do not know Spanish and maybe you don't need to know Spanish, but a smile and a good attitude carries in every language.
2007-01-17 07:23:05 · answer #4 · answered by Kool-kat 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If this actually happened, I'd say it's definitely not right whatsoever. By no means should you be required to speak Spanish if you live and work in the U.S. (unless of course, it is specifically mentioned in your job description). I'd go to the labor board in your area or whatever if your manager does indeed fire you. Matter of fact, do you have a copy of this complaint? If so, go there now.
2007-01-17 06:20:16 · answer #5 · answered by Sunidaze 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, i do consider that it is senseless to mention "hell" in such a lot circumstances..AND ALL folks Americans don't do it. Its very generalizing. I am American and we don't seem to be ALL approximately John Wayne. That used to be many years in the past and no longer on this iteration. We don't all journey horses and shoot bow and arrow. That is an historic stereo variety of Americans. Its style of claiming all Brits have dangerous tooth..NOT all Brits have dangerous tooth.. I believe a small populace does..however no longer ALL.
2016-09-07 21:12:32 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think you can be fired for refusing to sign a write up. First off, if you do sign it you are saying that yes you were in the wrong. Then on down the road they can hold that over your head to say you admit to messing up and they might use it to fire you anyways.
Tell your boss to kiss your ***. Thats always a good option. If its only a part time job and he wants to be a jerk about it, tell him to shove it up his *** and walk out. You can get a part time job at many places.
2007-01-17 06:24:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If is legal for him to fire you? Yeah proably. Is it legal to say you got a complaint? Yes. There is no law about how STUPID the complaint is. She DID complain that you don't speak Spanish didn't she? That is a complaint isn't it? Welcome to the Real World where life sucks but hey if you want a job you have to conform to certain rules. You should ask if you can add a note. Say that you called him over because you COULDN'T speak Spanish and therefore the complaint about the delay really isn't your fault.
2007-01-17 06:21:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
do you work at Home Depot? I get this all the time! Its no fun, especially when the boss/manager gives in to the rude customer and leaves you feeling like an idiot. I don't think this is legal, so don't sign it and sue his ***.
2007-01-17 06:24:23 · answer #9 · answered by 1982 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends a bit on where you live-employers in heavy Spanish speaking states or neighborhoods often require an employee to be or become bilingual. If you're going to college, why not take some Spanish? Seems like that might help you in your career.
2007-01-17 06:19:49 · answer #10 · answered by Middleclassandnotquiet 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋