So here it is. There is a Romanian government worker who was told in front of a union labor relations rep "Not to speak Romanian to non-English speaking Romanians". She then added "Just tell them to speak English!". Fast forward a couple of months into the future. The same two Romanian ladies come into the government facility and requested help from the Romanian worker. The Supervisor once again tells the Romanian worker she cannot help these clients in the Romanian language. In speaking with this worker in my capacity as a Steward, she was very hurt and tearful. She cannot understand why we bend over backwards to help Spanish speakers, but not Romanians. She stated her boss told her that she was not paid to speak Romanian. She replied "I am not asking for extra bilingual pay, I only want to help these clients, this is discrimination". The Sup seemed indifferent. I will add another employee was told not to speak Arabic to clients in need. Here is my take. As a government facility, we are required to help any citizen in need. It is our duty to accomodate ANY person to the largest extent possible. They are tax payers like we are, and deserve to be helped when needed. To turn them away is discriminatory and immoral. What do you all think? There is an unfair labor practice against the she-devil supervisor in question, however she is a classic narcissit. I am thinking of advising the Romanian worker to file with DFEH (Dept. of Fair Employment and Housing) as well. Abner
seenomee. dhen katalaveno. tr: Sorry, I don't understand. (Greek doesn't type well in English.) My opinion is that we (I am a state gov't employee) are to make reasonable efforts to help people, citizen or not. This may be different than to the largest extent possible. I say citizen or not, not to include illegal aliens but to include visiting tourists. Illegals are people too but let's not open that can 'o worms just now. Back to your issue. If a person is readily available who is able to accomodate the client, then the help should be provided. This is reasonable to me. Depending on the circumstances, such as legal proceedings, we might go to some extra effort to find a translator.
Abner, I'm not versed on your particular office's function, etc... Giving the manager the benefit of the doubt with regard to legal issues when advising individuals might be a good place to check. I know that providing advice can often lead to legal ramifications. As such I recommend you check the policies and/or check with the legal department. In the federal sector we often have to refer folks to a specific person with regard to non english speaking persons so that the clarity and legal position is maintained with regard to services, etc... being sought by the applicant. My experience with bargaining unions is that often certain duties are relegated to specific persons and/or call for compensation regardless of whether the employee wants to volunteer their services. Tough situation. Best of luck.
Did this happen in Romania or in another country? If in Romania then it seems wierd. If in another country then perhaps more understandable.
Please excuse the poor wording. I was rushing in the morning before having my coffee. But yes, this happed here in America. The Romanian worker was raised and educated in America, and now works for a government agency in the USA. She actually speaks four languages. Her supervisor does not seem to appreciate that though, and has a long history of complaints and grievances. The chickens are coming home to roost finally. She has intimidated witnesses, tampered with investigations, forced employees to give her their personal computer passwords (criminal activity according to the contract), and on and and on. She is on her last legs, and I am getting ready to knock her legs out from under her. It has taken YEARS as she is an evil genius! One thing about me though, I never give up. Abner
