Employer bans all languages except English

Workers at a South Auckland lab could be fired for breaking the rule

A New Zealand employer has banned its workers from speaking anything but English.

Workers at a laboratory in South Auckland have been warned they could be fired if they speak any other language at work, according to a report on Xtra, a New Zealand-based website.

Bevan Singham, a spokesman for the New Zealand’s Human Rights Commission, said the laboratory’s move is not that unusual and reflects the changing nature of New Zealand’s population.

Singham said if a workplace is a high-risk area, it makes sense that only one language is spoken for safety reasons. But employers need to be careful to ensure they aren’t breaking any law with such a language policy.

He said the commission hasn’t received a complaint about this case, but may contact the business in question to clarify the policy and to ensure it doesn’t break any laws.

To read the full story, login below.

Not a subscriber?

Start your subscription today!