Posted on 08/12/2005 6:25:58 AM PDT by jaydubya2
Some Chicago businesses post "Se Habla Espanol" signs to boast about their Spanish-speaking employees.
But two hair stylists said in a federal lawsuit Thursday that their former bosses at Supercuts posted a different sign:
"Speaking a language other than English is not only disrespectful, it's also prohibited."
Stylists say the notice was put up in 2003, directed at employees as Supercuts managers allegedly barred them from speaking Spanish anywhere at work -- including in the break room or other places outside the earshot of customers.
Supercuts says there is no such ban.
"We absolutely, vehemently deny the allegations and believe the evidence will show otherwise," attorney Davi Hirsch said Thursday.
EEOC on the case
The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which joined in the lawsuit, argues that such a ban is a violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that prohibits employment discrimination based on national origin.
The EEOC, along with private attorney Kamran Memon, brought the lawsuit against Primps LLC and Management Advantage Group LLC, which own more than 20 Supercuts salons in the city and suburbs.
One of the stylists, Rosa Gonzalez, 54, of Chicago, said her bosses shot her dirty looks or would reprimand her if she spoke Spanish to co-workers while on break, or at other times, even when customers weren't around.
The ban was lifted, she said, only if a customer didn't know any English.
"I think it's not fair," said Gonzalez, who came to the United States 27 years ago from Guanajuato, Mexico. "Business[es] need to understand that we are free to speak our language."
No such rule, company says
Memon said Gonzalez and another stylist who filed the lawsuit, Blanca Sauceda, were reprimanded sometimes several times a week for speaking in Spanish on breaks. The two worked for the company at various locations for more than 10 years.
They ultimately quit at their Michigan Avenue location after they felt uncomfortable at work.
Memon said the two wouldn't challenge a policy that limits Spanish being spoken in front of English-speaking customers. But Memon said Gonzalez and Sauceda were told it was "ignorant" and "disrespectful" to speak Spanish at work.
EEOC trial attorney Ann Henry said the suit was brought after managers allegedly enforced a blanket ban at "more than one location."
But Hirsch, who represents the 20 Supercuts owned by Management Advantage Group, said no such ban exists and that the suggestion of one is ludicrous because Supercuts' work force is heavily Hispanic.
Hirsch said there is a written policy limiting language other than English.
"The goal of the policy was to speak essentially whatever language you chose in the lunchroom or on breaks, when you're not servicing customers," Hirsch said.
Hirsch questioned why the employees didn't raise concerns until after they left the company.
I sure hope you are right.
You either? Wow, we have something in common.
Lol...what a simpleton.
That made no sense.
I think it's funny you don't like the flags...some guy driving down the street, blasting his music on his way to work...and you on the corner steemed. I bet it burns you up...hah, hah, hah!
Nope, but it's notable.
And to clarify, the younger culture that was born here will assimilate and learn English...if they are still proud of their heritage...why would you care?! Hah, hah, hah!!!
Does anyone else find you as hilarious as you find yourself?
Stu, you're so cool!
Thank you.
I actually listened to that song in the car today.
"I'm passing clots the size of basketballs"
"Oh you are hungry are you - how bout bloody mary?"
"Stu"...hmm...I wonder what that is short for?
English is the language of business worldwide.
Get over it.
That's the way it is.
People who speak another language and learn English have an advantage.
People who speak English and learn another language... not so much.
Except if they are in import/export or other international business. Which I assume you are.
But as another poster pointed out... all speaking the same language unites us.
Being bilingual is great. But if you're going to live in the USA - one of them should be English.
I think we all agree learning English should be a prerequisite for people...
That stated, I think people are overreacting a bit to first generation immigrants inability/lack of desire to learn English as a sign that the particular culture will never assimilate...that view ignores reality and what has happened with every other culture that has come here.
Why do you wonder?
Does "pid" go on the other end of it?
Is that the best you could come up with?
I note you failed to answer the question...interesting.
The answer is no. "pid" does not go at the end of it.
I see. For the record then, what about "pidmotherfecker?"
I find the signs in miami which have "se habla ingles" to be more offensive.
Particularly in a state which has a constitutional amendment making English officially the language of the state.
No.
Why is that offensive? They are welcoming English speakers, are they not?
An so we are clear, what about "pidbastard?"
Just go back to "racist" and I'll pretend to care. It will save you the trouble of coming up with something clever.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.