Language on the job

About this book

Language is rapidly become a controversial issue in the workplace. Given the ongoing language rights debate in this country, this should come as no surprise. For the next several decades, immigrants and other people with limited proficiency in the English language will enter the workforce in increasing numbers. Their presence forces employers, coworkers, and unions to address some complex issues about hiring, supervising, and paying them. This book, written for everyone seeking a better understanding of workplace discrimination, is the first full discussion of language issues arising from rapid changes in the workforce. The author's goal is to provide guidance that minimizes conflict over language issues in the labor market. Among the main topics considered are these: English proficiency tests in hiring and promotion decisions; "speak English only" rules in the workplace; compensation for the language skills of bilingual employees when they are required to use these on the job; and unions providing fair representation to members having limited command of English. As our society grapples with its cultural diversity, a book such as this is especially needed. It offers a commonsense, even-handed approach to law, language, and culture in the workplace. It provides employers and employees sufficient understanding of the issues so that potential language rights controversies on the job can be anticipated and fairly resolved.