English language policy
UT emp atty
2 Posts
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?
Comments
I've searched under "english language", "english", and "language policy" and haven't found anything. Any suggestions on search terms?
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.