10 replies to this topic

[Mr Spoon]

Forigen workers at a Burton-on-Trent warehouse [in the UK] have been banned from speaking their own language.

The new policy, introduced at the Waterstone’s Distribution Centre in Centrum 100, was introduced as another row threatened to embroil the firm over pay deals which could affect up to 120 workers. The language ban was blasted by Unite union as ‘ridiculous’, but the logistics firm backed its decision and said it only applied during working hours, and that foreign employees were allowed to speak in their native tongue during break times.

A spokesman for logistics firm Unipart, which operates the warehouse for the book dealer, said: “It’s important for good clear communication among employees that our stringent health and safety standards are maintained and that all employees speak a common language. As such Unipart requires all employees to communicate in English during working hours in the workplace. This does not apply to employees during meal and rest breaks. This creates a better team environment and makes sure that employees do not feel isolated or marginalised from other employee groups.”

As a result of the policy the foreign workforce, which mainly consists of Poles and Latvians, have drawn up a petition to hand to Unipart bosses, claiming discrimination and breaches of their human rights.

Rick Coyle, a spokesman for Unite union, said: “It is ridiculous to employ lots of people from other countries whilst insisting they must speak among themselves only in English. Unipart has a lot to learn about human nature and respect. Unite supports the workers’ petition and a full-blown union recognition campaign at the Centrum 100 warehouse is well under way.”

Source



------------------------------


I don't see the issue. If you want to live and work in the UK, you should expect to have to speak the language, especially when working, surely? The company has clearly stated this is only during working hours. Breaks and rest periods are not included.

[bbfc_uk]

I agree with it. It may sound harsh, but they can speak whatever language they want outside of work/in breaks. It will also improve their english vocabulary.

[TheReaperMan]

Mr Spoon, on 15 September 2011 - 14:52, said:

Rick Coyle, a spokesman for Unite union, said: “It is ridiculous to employ lots of people from other countries whilst insisting they must speak among themselves only in English. Unipart has a lot to learn about human nature and respect. Unite supports the workers’ petition and a full-blown union recognition campaign at the Centrum 100 warehouse is well under way.”

I think that it is correct that they all speak english.

They are in england where the language is english and if everyone spoke a diffent language there could and will be problems. They have said that in break and when not in work they can speak any language they wish. I do not see were the problem is other than the bit in bold which I think is the real issue here. That the union is not recognised by the company so they have less power.

[King Mustard]

If you come here, you speak English. It's the language of the land. Deal with it.

[Colin-uk]

I don't see the problem either.

[+Crisp]

If you come here, you should be entitled to speak whatever you want.

If you come here to work, and earn a living you should have to speak English.

[zeta_immersion]

I am/was an immigrant and fully agree. Go/come to another country, speak the God damn language at work and have the courtesy and respect for their laws and customs.

I would refuse to speak my own tongue if I am around people speaking only English and more so, I would refuse to speak my own language if I step outside the house. I actually force English with everyone in the house too even if half of them may not even know what I am saying (assuming they just came to Canada) and only speak their own language. Could not give a crap about them.

[dangermoose]

Mr Spoon, on 15 September 2011 - 14:52, said:

Unite supports the workers’ petition and a full-blown union recognition campaign at the Centrum 100 warehouse is well under way.”

There is the reason behind this. I am not opposed to unions, I think they do more good than harm on the whole. But sometimes they let the power get to their heads. I am pretty sure most companies, no matter which country, would have similar rules - just not laid out in writing or announced as they have decided to do. It just makes plain sense for everyone to be speaking the local language, even if it is between two foreign people, especially as supervisors and other workers might just need to know what they were saying.

[SHoTTa35]

I see no problem with this. If you are hanging out with your buddies from China or India or Mexico or whatever, then sure speak your native tongue as it's easier to have a conversation than all the broken English anyways. If you are working or just hanging out with people from mixed languages then speak the common one when in said groups.

In my group it's what we call, "little United Nations." I met 1 AuPair from Romania and the company introduces the new girl to all the other girls in the area doing the same kinda job. The idea being they have at least that in common to build a friendship on. So it started off with Romania, add Thailand, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, and Turkey. Some of those girls knew other girls from their respective countries as well as Russia and China and all that too so whenever we go out it's like me and 30 women and 5 guys. LOL. It's fun but it gets crazy sometimes.

[TheElite]

zeta_immersion, on 15 September 2011 - 15:05, said:

I actually force English with everyone in the house too even if half of them may not even know what I am saying (assuming they just came to Canada) and only speak their own language. Could not give a crap about them.

How nice of you.

[SPEhosting]

damn right.... you want to work and live here you speak our language unless in your own homes or private situations (e.g. out with your grandma) its correct manners