Is it legal for a manager to force their employees to speak English only?

Answer 1

As a customer (who understands a bit of Spanish) I find it quite frustrating when I am in an establishment and the clerks are all speaking Spanish like I don't exist. The rude comments they make about customers just irks me to no end. I never let on that I understand them. I do call their supervisors and let them know that they were gossiping about customers.

I guess I didn't really answer your question about if it is legal or not.....but I sure pray it is and that more stores implement a policy of speaking English while in earshot of customers.

Answer 2

It may depend on what state you're in; different places have different laws. In general though, I'm pretty sure it's legal. Employers have the right to set certain rules for the workplace, anything from "no tattoos" to "english only". Especially if the employees in question are talking to customers. What the issue might be is that the manager just wants to know what's going on, and doesn't want the employees to be badmouthing him when he can't understand.

Also: this has nothing to do with any "national language". Many jobs in the US require or strongly encourage speakers of other languages, especially in areas where customers don't always speak english (and yes, that happens in America and there's nothing wrong with that)

Answer 3

During business transactions, yes; but in private communication (oral and written), no. Understand, however, that some co-workers may feel upset if others use a foreign language because they don't understand it. In that case, a manager may tell you all to speak English to maintain the harmony of the workplace.

"National language," by the way, is not the same as "official language." Some states may have an official language (in Hawaii it's Hawaiian), which may put a new legal spin on the situation.

Answer 4

He/she can only force you to speak English to the customers or any other talk that involves the business. Otherwise, the answer is no. There is this wonderfull thing call a Bill of Rights in the Constitution, and luckily for us there is the 1st Amendment, which gives us freedom of speech. And yes, it means that you can say whatever you please in whichever language (of course there are exceptions, such as yelling "Fire!" in the movies just to get a laugh at the people running out)...And, even if English were the official language, the 1st Amendment would still protect your rights to speak in whatever language you choose.

Answer 5

I don't think so, there was a case with the salvation army that required only English, and several Hispanics were fired and the ACLU sued on their behave. I do not know how the case was decided, but being the case in Hazelton, Pa, awarded $500,000 to the illegals, the chances are the employer would lose and have to pay damages

Answer 6

It is, it is rare, but it is. Unfortunately, I knew a company that enforced it on lunch breaks, and even washroom breaks, which wasn't fair, because 90% of the employees spoke Tagalog. So they just started taking lunchbreaks elsewhere. On the work floor, it can make sense for several reasons to have only one language, but it shouldn't apply to personal time.

Answer 7

Yes, in some states only so long as the requirement is related to the business. In most states no rational is needed, the employer can make what ever rules they want so long as its not illegal or based on race or gender discrimination.

Answer 8

I would hope so. Why not? They are employees of a place, they gotta play by their rules. I have to wear certain clothes, start on their time, and work when they want me, why not make them speak THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE?

Answer 9

Yeah - you are not allowed to discriminate on basis of race but you ARE allowed to require a certain language in the workplace. That is why you will see on certain classified ads that you must speak english to get the job - it is a requirement of certain employers.

Answer 10

This is an ethical question, therefore, you know the answer. IT, is called professionalism and courtesy.
No es legal, pero es cortes. Es un establisimiento de profession en donde es offensivo para los compañeros que no entienden el idioma(que sea). Se llama cortesia y es applicable para ellos y para ti.