I work in an office of about 10 people and about half of us speak spanish. My boss has now prohibited us from speaking spanish because someone complained that they were offended. Does my work have the right to do this? Is this an infringement on my first amendment rights? I need to have some facts before I fight back. Any help is appreciated.
2007-09-12 05:01:13 · 9 answers · asked by Mario Z 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
The action of your boss is undoubtedly an act of infringement of your fundamental right and no office can prohibit its employees not to speak a particular language.
Please bring it to the notice of Human Rights Committee !!
2007-09-12 05:17:01 · answer #1 · answered by V.T.Venkataram 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Are you speaking in Spanish so that the other employees will not know what you are talking about? Does the person who complained have a reason to be concerned?
Your bi-lingual abilities can be an asset when dealing with Spanish speaking clients/customers. I'm sure your boss does appreciate it.
However, it can create a divisive work atmosphere in the office - sort of an us vs them mentality. This can affect the over all productivity of the office.
So be respectful of your non-English speaking co-workers and just speak English in the office (unless you are working Th a Spanish speaking customer).
Your speaking Spanish is not a right or your "freedom of speech". Your boss also has the right to impose a dress code.
2007-09-12 14:35:50 · answer #2 · answered by Boots 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It's legal. Your boss is not prohibiting you from speaking spanish on your lunch hour, or on your breaks. They want their clients/customers to hear the language that the office runs with. As an employee, you are bound by the office protocols.
This is the same as when a business requires an employee to have a working knowledge of filing for a filing job, or abilities in Computers to work in the office. It's the office requirements. Again, they are not prohibiting you from being spanish/mexican/hispanic, they are merely setting up an office atmosphere which clients and customes will be more comfortable.
Speak it at home, at lunch or out in public, but not at work.
2007-09-12 05:09:12 · answer #3 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So you are not permitted to speak Spanish at all or just during work functions?
I am sure you can see the distraction that multiple languages can cause in a meeting or team setting. Requiring everyone to speak the same language keeps everyone on the same page and reduces the confusion caused by switching to a different tongue. What would keep someone from talking about someone else in a meeting that they happen to disagree with?
I see your bosses point, but requiring you to speak English at all times is a violation of your right to freedom of speech.
Check with your HR rep to pursue this further.
2007-09-12 05:11:30 · answer #4 · answered by bzqqsq 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now, just for a moment, pretend the person who complained is a person who does not speak spanish and is very uncomfortable about this situation. He's been on the job 20 years.
What about his rights, or don't you give a damn about that?
2007-09-12 05:15:16 · answer #5 · answered by TedEx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the other half don't speak Spanish, it seems like you are forming a separate group in the office. I think it is quite unacceptable as this could damage the company's good working environment.
2007-09-12 05:14:19 · answer #6 · answered by andy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not illegal to ask your employees to speak the standard form of language for the office . some ppl are offended when ppl speak a different language cause they think you are talking about them . No not an infrigment . He is the boss and he has a right to set policy . good luck .
2007-09-12 05:08:20 · answer #7 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's enough caselaw to confirm the right of an employer to restrict the speaking of a foreign language by employees when it directly effects his clientele or his ability to command and direct his employees. First Amendment freedom of speech is curtailed when applied to private enterprises and activities on private property.
Good luck!
2007-09-13 14:05:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well MARIO its not polite to speak another language in front of someone or around a place where that language is not understood by all, Put yourself in a place where people are talking in a language you didn't understand, It probably bothers you also.
I recommend talking in English or shipping out to your country where you can talk all you want in spanish
good luck
2007-09-12 05:13:50 · answer #9 · answered by Sorry deleted 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋