Whole Foods employees claim discrimination
Two workers at a Whole Foods location in Albuquerque were recently suspended, negatively affecting their time and attendance. According to the Associated Press and reported by ABC News, the two employees claim they were suspended for writing a letter to a manager regarding a meeting in which the manager told them speaking Spanish was not allowed while on the job.
Whole Foods representatives, however, are disputing these charges. They claim that the two workers were not suspended for speaking Spanish, but were instead disciplined for "rude" behavior.
According to Ben Friedland, a Whole Foods company coordinator, the current language policy does not fully ban employees from speaking other languages.
"Team members are free to speak any language they would like during their breaks, meal periods and before and after work," Friedland said.
Workers are mandated, however, to communicate with customers and colleagues exclusively in English while on the clock.
Immigrant advocates and many on social media outlets have expressed outrage at the case. Ralph Arellanes, State Director of the New Mexico League of United Latin American Citizens, said that the organization will grant the grocer one week to change the policy before they begin a campaign to boycott Whole Foods across the country.
All data and information provided on this news blog is for informational purposes only. Infinisource makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. Information regarding employment suits and other legal action is not updated after publication, and may not be current.