Q: Can my job order me not to speak Spanish unless I am with a Spanish customer?
I'm from Florida.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In New York, employment law typically protects employees from discrimination based on national origin, which can include language. If your employer's policy of not speaking Spanish except with Spanish-speaking customers appears to be unfairly targeting your national origin or culture, it could potentially be considered discriminatory.
However, there are situations where employers can set language requirements if they are necessary for conducting business effectively and safely. For instance, if speaking a common language is essential for safety reasons or to ensure efficient operations, such policies might be legally permissible.
It's important to consider the specific context and reasons behind the policy. If you feel that this policy is discriminatory or if it's applied inconsistently, you might want to discuss your concerns with your employer or seek legal advice to understand your rights and options under New York employment laws.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
