Today at work a coworker approached me and spoke in another language which I am also familiar with since I am biligual. I answered him in that language and started talking about work in that language. Another cowoker walked by and noticed our conversation in that language, he started saying that we couldnt speak in another language that wasn't english. That person threatened to go to human resource and report that incident, I was wondering if that is a crime what i did. I do my work efficiently and speak english generally just that with this person we speak in another language because it comes natural. Thanks! Were can I get a copy of the employee work rules? Thanks!
2007-06-14 17:08:17 · 13 answers · asked by Zorro 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I would say it is more a question of intention. Just imagine you were swearing instead. The other guy could understand what you were saying but would possibly be offended.
If you were speaking another language to exclude the other person from the conversation I would imagine they would ask you not to do it, although would more likely just steer clear of it. In a way, you could almost go to HR with a complaint yourself that you were discriminated against at work due to your culture, but I don't think that would solve anything.
It is definately a case of (man to neighbour) your tree is hangin over to my side of the fence, can you please pay to have it cut. no real solutions, HR will take the easiest option (i.e. the guy who complains the least) and it is not really worth arguing about anyway.
Good luck with it.
2007-06-14 17:21:28 · answer #1 · answered by Richard W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for the REAL rules, check with your Department of Labor in the phone book for your area; as for the right rule, if its making someone uncomfortable, why mess with them? With the state of the world and so much stress on everyone, why not just be sweet and tell them you didn't realize it was a problem and then either go somewhere you can enjoy discussing in the other language without problem or include the person in English. Why make so much out of it and cause sadness; not everything has to be a "cause or battle" or lawsuit, just do the right thing and be thoughtful.
2007-06-15 00:15:34 · answer #2 · answered by OPTIMIST 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask for an employee handbook or look in a policy and procedures manual. HR can help if you don't know where these are.
You didn't do anything wrong. Some companies ask that you speak english as a matter of courtesy to other workers and customers (if you are in a field where customers could be present). Ask HR what the policy is so you know for the future.
2007-06-15 00:22:45 · answer #3 · answered by maxmom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Employee work rules and company policies can be obtained by request from the Human Resource ( HR ) department, just ask the QUEER, snippy / snotty rail thin guy--you know: the one who raves about the flavor of Asian Raspberry tea--and "he" will be glad to hand you those documents.
One better--ask the employee to show YOU the written policiy forbidding speaking to others in another UNDERSTOOD language. Follow the request with "Oh....by the way....this is an A to B conversation (point to the idiot) so C your way out of it.....thank you!"
2007-06-15 00:17:09 · answer #4 · answered by Hard Rocker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People get a little paranoid when they overhear conversations in another language, since they think the parties are talking about them, or plotting some kind of terrorism. However, I don't think it's a violation of any personnel policy regarding the Equal Rights Amendment. To get a copy of the personnel rules, go to the Human Resource or personnel department of your company.
2007-06-15 00:18:22 · answer #5 · answered by gldjns 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you did is not wrong, however, the other employee is very sensitive and may feel uncomfortable hearing others speak in another language. Your HR department or your immediate supervisor/manager should have the work rules, also, in some states it is required that the work rules be posted in the employee breakroom, so you should check there.
2007-06-15 00:11:33 · answer #6 · answered by california girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to human resources to get a copy of the rules.
I know in the military people got in trouble for speaking in another language at work.
Even though the USA does not have a clearly defined language. I think we need to vote and make English our primary language.
2007-06-15 00:10:23 · answer #7 · answered by jp8 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a copy of the work rules from human resources. You probably have a copy from when you were hired. No, it is not illegal to speak in another language the most they would probably do is ask you to please speak english while you are at work., but I doubt they would even do that.
2007-06-15 00:14:39 · answer #8 · answered by Lori B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you did nothing wrong by speaking in another language. as long as you were not saying anything innappropriate. every job has a different employee handbook that will state the rules you have to abide by with your company. go to HR and they can give you a copy of those rules. sounds to me like the employee you work with that reported this to HR just has some issues they need to deal with and maybe they are predjudice or something. goodluck.
2007-06-15 00:12:46 · answer #9 · answered by Just Wondering 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your Human Resources department and ask them. The employee probably thought you were talking about them, and you should tell HR that they said that, even if you aren't supposed to, it isn't like you were aware of that. We have an English only policy due to the nature of my work, but that is only with dealing with customers. In which case, we would point them to someone who is really affluent in their language and of higher status in the company and can assist them with all their needs.
2007-06-15 00:14:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋