Signed Document in language that i did not understand. Is that legal
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Signed Document in language that i did not understand. Is that legal
My company made us sign document that was detailing my job responsibilities.
That document was written in English. Most of the employees are Polish and
Spanish speaking. There was no translator available. We were told if we don’t
sing we will be let go. This resulted in addition work for all of the employees.
Was that legal? We asked our manager who made us sing it to provide us with
copy of the document in his words ‘ the document is lost ‘ i feel there is
something not right with his answer.
What are my options? Is there anything i can do ?
Thank you,
Asked on September 15, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
You don't have any options, based on what you write:
1) Employment in this nation is employment at will: there is no right to a job; an employer may terminate an employee at any time, for any reason; and employers set the terms or conditions of work. The employer can require you to sign documents or be let go; employees who are unwilling to sign have the right to seek other employment (that's the other side of "employment at will": employees who don't like something about a job may leave it at any time, and quiting a job where you are uncomfortable is the recourse employees have).
2) There is no obligation to provide translaters at work for employees.
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