English language policy

UT emp atty

Client has many Spanish-speaking employees, wants to implement a policy of English-only around non-Spanish-speaking employees/customers except on breaks. Anyone ever draft this kind of policy before?

Irie

This subject has been discussed many times on this Forum. Do a search and I think you will find your answer.

UT emp atty

Thanks. I'm a first-timer, and this was my first post.

I've searched under "english language", "english", and "language policy" and haven't found anything. Any suggestions on search terms?

Irie

Search "all forums" for "english only". Also check the selection for searching the "archives". It may take awhile to get the results but there are quite a few discussions about this subject.

Whirlwind

UT emp atty,

You might want to check out this website:

[url]http://www.eeoc.gov/abouteeo/overview_practices.html[/url]

Here's an excerpt from the section on national origin discrimination:

"A rule requiring that employees speak only English on the job may violate Title VII unless an employer shows that the requirement is necessary for conducting business. If the employer believes such a rule is necessary, employees must be informed when English is required and the consequences for violating the rule."

My understanding is that requiring English at all times except for during breaks might be going too far. For example, if the Spanish speaking ees are talking among themselves -- not with customers and not with non-Spanish-speaking ees about business or safety issues -- you might not be able to require English then.