[lg policy] After pressure from activists, Whole Foods changes employee language policy

[Harold Schiffman]

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By Brian Gaar <http://www.mystatesman.com/staff/brian-gaar/> -
American-Statesman Staff
0
<http://www.mystatesman.com/business/after-pressure-from-activists-whole-foods-changes-employee-language-policy/StELYF5URQFF0l4LAZzTeP/#comments>

Posted: 6:52 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2013
------------------------------

After an outcry from activists over an alleged “English-only” policy for
Whole Foods Market employees, company officials said Friday they have
revised the company’s language guidelines.

Last month, two employees at a Whole Foods store in Albuquerque, N.M., said
they were suspended after complaining about being told they couldn’t speak
Spanish to each other while on the job.

A Whole Foods employee subsequently told an Associated Press reporter that
employees must speak English to customers and other employees.

The incident prompted protests from ProgressNow New Mexico, a Albuquerque
advocacy group. Activists presented a petition to Whole Foods’ Austin
headquarters on Thursday, calling on the company to change its policy.

In a blog post on the Whole Foods website on Friday, co-CEO Walter Robb
said that the two New Mexico employees were suspended for a day with pay
for behavior reasons, not for speaking Spanish.

However, Robb apologized “that a section of our handbook regarding
(employee) interactions in the workplace was not clearly written, and for
any misunderstandings or offense it has created.”

Previously, the company’s guidelines instructed employees: “If you speak
English and are in the presence of customers, it is essential that the
conversation be in English.”

It also stated: “If you speak English and are in the presence of
(employees), it is essential that the conversation be in English any time
you are on the clock and discussing work-related tasks or subjects.”

That policy, while in place for years, “does not reflect and is not in
alignment with the spirit of this company,” Robb said.

The updated policy now states:

“If you speak English and you need to communicate with an English-speaking
customer, please speak with them in English, unless requested otherwise by
the customer.”

“When speaking with customers or fellow (employees), please make sure you
are sensitive to others who may want to join your conversation or ask you a
question. If needed, switch to a common language to be inclusive and
respectful.”

Activists hailed the change as a victory.

“We are thankful that the company listened to its customers and was willing
to revise its policies to reflect the growing diversity of our
communities,” said Pat Davis, executive director of ProgressNow New Mexico.

http://www.mystatesman.com/business/after-pressure-from-activists-whole-foods-changes-employee-language-policy/StELYF5URQFF0l4LAZzTeP/


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