Further protests at Thomas Cook on language policy

[Harold Schiffman]

[image: BBC NEWS]
Further protests at Thomas Cook
*The Welsh Language Society has again protested outside Thomas Cook offices
after the travel company said business discussions should be in English. *

About 80 protesters, some wearing so-called Welsh Not signs, gathered at
Bangor, where Thomas Cook had told staff of its English language rule. There
were other, smaller, protests at Cardiff and Carmarthen following claims the
company had broken the law. Thomas Cook did not comment on Friday but has
previously defended itself. Those attending Friday's demonstrations were
asked to sign a protest letter to be sent to the company. A number of the
protesters were wearing signs around their necks with the letters WN,
meaning Welsh Not - a punishment introduced in 19th century schools to stop
children speaking Welsh.

 The letter claimed there was a "level of opposition to your decision to
discriminate against Welsh speakers who have been denied the right to speak
their own language when doing their work". The letter goes on: "We call on
you to say one small word in your own language - sorry - to your staff, and
to the local community, for the disrespect you have shown."  On Monday it
had emerged that staff at Thomas Cook's Bangor shop had been asked to use
only English to discuss business matters, such as training and team
performance.  A spokesman said at the time the company wanted to ensure
clear communication at all times and believed English should be used as it
is the common language in the UK.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/wales/6757597.stm

Published: 2007/06/15 16:16:41 GMT

(c) BBC MMVII
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/6757597.stm



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