Language barrier

Dottie

Does anyone have any information on just how far the courts expect an employer to go to communicate with non-English speaking employees? We have many Spanish speaking employees and have, therefore, had documents translated and usually have someone on site who is bi-lingual. However, we have had some miscommunication with some Russian speaking employees. It is much more difficult to find someone to facilitate communication there.

Down_the_Middle

I think all courts endorse the basic premise of: 1) an absolute english-only rule is not valid, & 2) requiring english-only in work areas where it is based on business necessity is valid. Prohibiting employees from conversing in their native tongues in a break room, lounge or cafeteria is also not viewed to be valid. Do an english-only search on this site and you'll find lots of info.