Bill Would Allow Employers to Require Their Employees to Speak English While Performing Job Duties

Earlier this year, a bill (A1366) was introduced that would amend the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination to allow employers to require their employees and applicants to speak English while performing any duties falling within the scope of the employee’s employment, without regard to whether speaking English is necessary to perform the essential functions of the employee’s job. Employees, however, would be allowed to speak other languages during a bona fide meal period, rest period, or other breaks authorized by the employer.